Kohima: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and renowned music composer AR Rahman on Sunday inaugurated the Centre of Excellence for Music and Arts (CEMA) in Kohima, a landmark initiative aimed at nurturing talent and promoting Nagaland’s rich musical heritage.
At the event, AR Rahman expressed admiration for Nagaland’s vibrant musical culture, stating that his journey toward musical depth had brought him to the serene and inspiring landscapes of the state.
“I’ve always admired Nagaland for its musical heritage and the dedication of its people to the arts. This center is a testament to the potential here,” Rahman said.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio described the inauguration of CEMA as the fulfillment of a long-cherished dream for himself and Nagaland’s music community. He reminisced about how efforts to promote music and arts in the state were first initiated during the tenure of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Rio recalled Vajpayee’s visit to Nagaland and his encouragement to educate youth in music, art, and entrepreneurship. However, he noted that these plans were shelved following a change in government at the Centre.
Highlighting the resilience of the Naga youth, Rio said, “In 2004, we declared it the Year of Youth Empowerment. Our musicians have since taken Nagaland to the national and international stage. I hope CEMA will become a beacon for aspiring musicians and artists, helping them reach greater heights.”
Rio also expressed hope that CEMA would transform Nagaland, known as the Land of Festivals, into a Land of Music.
Abu Metha, Adviser to the Chief Minister, emphasised the crucial role of government support in creating opportunities for artists. He recalled Rio’s vision of making Nagaland a hub for music and arts nearly two decades ago.
Metha highlighted the global recognition of Naga talent, citing the example of children from the Kohima orphanage who performed at 35,000 feet on an Indigo flight. He also mentioned Rahman’s film From Headhunting to Beatboxing, which has introduced Nagaland’s culture to a broader audience.
Theja Meru, Director of Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA), underscored Rahman’s enduring relationship with Nagaland. He shared that Rahman first visited the state five years ago and has since supported children at the Kohima orphanage, demonstrating his commitment to nurturing young talent in the region.
Built at a cost of ₹5 crore under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme, CEMA is a state-of-the-art facility designed to foster musical and artistic excellence.
Constructed as a pre-engineered steel structure, the building ensures flexibility, quality, and quick completion despite the region’s challenging terrain. The project was implemented by the Department of Youth Resources and Sports and executed by the Public Works Department (PWD) and Infrastructural Development Consortium under the EPC mode.
CEMA is expected to play a pivotal role in empowering young artists, advancing Nagaland’s rich cultural legacy, and placing the state firmly on the global music and arts map.