He said that the state wide Road Shows covering the entire districts of the state are not only a means of reaching out to the people by the government and creating awareness of various welfare policies and programmes at the grassroots, but also by making them coincide with the most important festival of the district, are great platforms for showcasing the culture and tradition of the people of the district.

 

The Governor lauded the participation of the cultural troupe from Thailand which made the Road Show bigger and more interesting.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, gracing the occasion as Guest of Honour expressed his happiness and gratitude to the people of Phek district for making the Phek Road Show one of the best amongst those held so far. He said that by celebrating the Sükrünye festival it does not mean that we will change our religion but it is a way to maintain and remember our ancestors’ culture and tradition and to follow their good qualities such as honesty.

The Chief Minister said that the Road Shows are improving with time. This means the Chakhesang people have unity and cooperation, carrying out their respective responsibilities. He said that Phek district is the most progressive district in the state, signifying that where there is peace and integrity and cooperation, there is success in all endeavours. He also declared Phek as the ‘Land of Culture’.

On the first day, Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Kuzholuzo Nienu graced the introductory session as the Chief Guest and in his speech expressed hope that this event would be taken as a positive step towards progress. He reiterated that this event is an initiative of the government to promote the cultural extravaganza of the district. The Minister also reminded the people that Sükrünye is the most important festival of the Chakhesang community and called upon the people to use this opportunity in the best way possible.

Meanwhile the people of Phek were up for a treat as they eagerly awaited the Open Air Beat Contest marking the Phek Road show cum Sükrünye festival 2010. Deputy Chairman, State Planning Board, Neiba Kronu was the Chief Guest of the event. In his speech, Neiba Kronu called upon everyone to use music as an instrument for peace and progress. He said that it would be easy because Nagas by birth are music lovers.

There were eight participants in the Band category and Dementia, the winner of the Live Drive, 2009 was the guest band and also the judge for the evening. In the solo category Kudezu Vero took the first place, Vesuto Khusoh and Chivo Medeo bagged the second and third places and were  awarded with cash prizes of Rs. 5,000, Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 2,000 respectively.

In the band category, The Monad Band was declared as the winner, Exotic Metal and the Media Knights were adjudged as the second and third place winners respectively. They were also awarded with cash prizes of Rs. 10,000, Rs. 7,000 and Rs. 5,000 respectively. Besides that there were also individual cash prize of Rs. 2,000 each for the best drummer, vocalist, lead guitarist and bass guitarist. The evening ended with the guest band Dementia performing a few of their originals songs, leaving the crowd begging for more.

Another crowd puller of the Phek Road Show was the Miss Phek Beauty Pagent wherein 10 beautiful ladies sashayed the ramp as they competed for the Miss Phek 2010 Crown. From varied age groups and backgrounds, all the contestants wore their best smiles and stood with confidence until Miss Naomi Ringa was adjudged Miss Phek 2010, followed by Neite-u Koza and Vezosulu Chuzho 1st and 2nd runners up respectively.

18 years old Naomi went home with the title and a cash prize of Rs. 30,000, 1st runner up 20 year old Neite-u Koza was awarded Rs. 20,000 and Vezosulu Chuzho, 20 years of age bagged the 2nd runners-up and pocketed Rs. 10,000.

Four subtitles were given at the Miss Phek contest alongside the coveted Crown. Lidowe Krome won Miss perfect 10, Miss Congeniality was taken by Khovelu, Miss Beautiful Skin was taken by Neite-u Koza, Best Ethnic Wear was taken by Miss Lorhevi Ngouri .

The judges included Daisy Mezhur, Lisapila Anar, M. K. Mero, Neihu C. Thur and Kevi Nagi.

The evening witnessed some of the most talented artists- musicians, singers, local performers and many more. The contestants for Miss Phek also showcased Kats Krome’s famous collection on the stage.

The crowd saw a showcase of ethnic clothing from the famous local designer Roson who is popular both locally and nationally. Participants from Thailand also performed cultural songs and dances and entertained the spectators.

Nagaland Minister for Planning & Coordination T.R Zeliang graced the occasion. In his address the minister said that winning the crown should mean becoming an ambassador for uplifting the society and bringing peace among people. He envisioned that by the year 2020, Nagas will see progress and prosperity in all fields.

The event culminated in a grand display of fireworks.

Xavier Rutsa