The prize money was the highest awarded to the winner in any rock contest organized in the North East till date. The ‘DIATRIBE’ rock band was adjudged the first runners up and ‘EXIMIOUS’ the second runner up both hailing from Nagaland.

Mr. Sudipto Chowdhury, Chief Operating Officer, Bharti Airtel NESA, said at Kohima, “Airtel is not only serving customers in Nagaland by providing a superior telecommunication network, but is closely associated with the Naga people in promoting their culture. Airtel has been promoting local talent in the North Eastern Region and also supporting efforts to showcase the North East and its tourism potential through associating in events like the Autumn Festival in Meghalaya and the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland.”

Nagaland Minister for Planning & Coordination Mr. T.R. Zeliang, the Chief Guest on the occasion gave away the prizes while Mr. Sudipto Chowdhury COO Airtel NESA gave away the cheque of Rs 5 lakh to the winning band.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. T.R. Zeliang said “In the recent years Hornbill Festival has grown by leaps and bounds and has emerged as a major festival not only in the North Eastern region but in the entire country. I think in the coming years with the support of companies like Airtel we can look forward to seeing the festival becoming popular by many folds.”

 

Bharti Airtel, India’s leading mobile service provider in the last three years of its operations in the North Eastern Region has over 22 lakh mobile customers. In Nagaland Airtel has reached out to the remotest areas like Mon, Mokukchung, Phek, Zuhneboto and Wokha and has covered 9 out of 11 Districts in Nagaland with a network close to 100 sites. With a market share of 30 % in Nagaland Airtel has provided telecommunication network and improved the economic development of the region. 1200 families have directly or indirectly benefited from Airtel in terms of employment.