KOHIMA, Dec 5: The much-anticipated Hornbill Bamboo Carnival 2024, organized by the Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency (NBDA), began with grandeur on December 5, 2024, at the Bamboo Amphitheater, Nagaland Bamboo Resource Centre, Sovima, Chümoukedima. Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of the Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), inaugurated the event.
In his address, Abu Metha commended the NBDA for its dedication to promoting bamboo as a vital resource for sustainable innovation and development. He emphasized its role in fostering economic growth and creating opportunities for the people of Nagaland. He also appreciated the diverse contributions made towards the festival’s success. He extended greetings on behalf of the Chief Minister and emphasized the significance of the Hornbill Festival as a prominent cultural event not just in India, but across the region.
Metha highlighted the festival’s transformation from a three-day event at Kohima local ground to a 10-day celebration spanning six districts. He pointed out that this year, the festival saw the participation of four partner countries—the United States, Peru, Japan, and the United Kingdom—along with partner states Telangana and Sikkim. These international collaborations, according to Metha, reflect the festival’s growing global importance and its role in fostering cultural unity and promoting development.
He also lauded the Chumukedima district, the host of the Bamboo Carnival, for its rapid growth and potential as an economic hub. Metha noted that the district, poised for significant growth in the coming decade, would play a key role in connecting India to the ASEAN region through major infrastructure projects. He emphasized that Chumukedima, which represents unity across the tribes of Nagaland, serves as a model for regional cooperation, offering limitless opportunities for youth and economic growth.
The Advisor also stressed the festival’s economic impact, sharing insights from an independent study which revealed that the event generated substantial revenue and new employment opportunities. Metha highlighted that in just 10 days, the Hornbill Festival brought in 108 Crore rupees and created over 8,500 jobs. He noted that the festival has grown from being a cultural celebration to an important platform for promoting entrepreneurship and supporting the aspirations of Naga youth.
Particularly Metha expressed pride in the achievements of Naga youth, pointing to their success both locally and internationally. He mentioned the Naga Madrigal Singers, who won two gold medals at the World Choir Games in New Zealand, as a prime example of Naga youth excelling on the global stage. Metha stressed that the Hornbill Festival is not only about showcasing Naga culture but also about offering opportunities for young entrepreneurs to realize their dreams and contribute to the state’s development.
In his remarks, Metha pointed to the growing importance of bamboo for the state, underlining the Chief Minister’s vision of making bamboo an ambassador for Nagaland. He explained that bamboo has been central to Naga life for generations, used for everything from agriculture to construction and that it holds great potential for the state’s economic future. He highlighted the ongoing partnerships with national and international organizations, including upcoming collaborations with experts from Taiwan on bamboo technology and with a master craftsman from Japan, who will conduct workshops with local artisans. These efforts are expected to improve livelihoods and enhance the Naga economy.
Metha also conveyed his gratitude to the government of Japan, the Japanese embassy, and the Ambassador of Japan for their support in the bamboo initiatives, noting that such international collaborations are essential for the growth of Nagaland’s bamboo industry.
He concluded by congratulating the Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency and all stakeholders for their hard work in making the Bamboo Carnival a success. Metha expressed his confidence In the Hornbill Festival’s continued growth and impact, urging the people of Nagaland to remain united in their efforts to drive the state towards greater prosperity. He encouraged the youth to seize the opportunities presented by the festival, emphasizing that it is not just a celebration of culture but a platform for building a brighter future. Metha urged everyone to take pride in their role in the Hornbill Festival’s success and to look forward to many more years of growth and unity.
Dr. Tolto Metha, Mission Director of NBDA, presented a detailed note on the carnival, highlighting bamboo’s significance as a sustainable resource and its applications in various industries. He expressed his delight in welcoming dignitaries, participants, and guests to the 12th edition of the Hornbill Bamboo Carnival in Sovima. He began by acknowledging the presence of Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of the Investment Development Authority of Nagaland, and praised his instrumental role during the formative years of the carnival. Dr Metha highlighted Metha’s unwavering passion and support for the Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency,y calling it invaluable to the event’s growth and success.
Reflecting on the journey of the carnival, Metha shared that the idea was first conceived in 2012 with the vision to empower rural communities, alleviate poverty, and engage people from various fields in the bamboo industry. Over the years, the event has grown from a small initiative into a significant part of the state’s annual Hornbill Festival calendar.
He noted that this year’s carnival hosted around 200 entrepreneurs, showcasing not only bamboo crafts but also innovations in music, arts, and the food industry. Metha emphasized how this reflects the versatility of bamboo as a resource and its potential to inspire creativity and entrepreneurship.
He expressed his gratitude to the special dignitaries present and thanked the team from Japan who would conduct workshops during the carnival and remarked that their presence highlighted the growing global recognition of the event.
He highlighted bamboo’s role as a sustainable resource capable of improving livelihoods and uniting people from diverse backgrounds.
He concluded by encouraging everyone to enjoy the three days of festivities, which include music, food, art, and workshops. Metha assured the attendees that the carnival could be extended if there was sufficient public demand. He expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders for their contributions, underscoring the importance of continued collaboration to nurture the bamboo industry and the communities it supports.
The program began with an invocation by Rev. Zhau Sanchu, Principal of the Hope Institute of Theology, followed by a welcome address delivered by Albert Ezung, Mission Director of NBDA, Albert Ezung, Chairman of the Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency (NBDA), extended heartfelt gratitude to the Nagaland State Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Napoleon for supporting the organization of the Bamboo Carnival. He expressed his appreciation to Abu Metha, Adviser to the Chief Minister and Chairman of IDAN, for his inspiring leadership and for gracing the occasion with his presence.
Ezung warmly welcomed the esteemed guests, including Keoshu Yimchunger, Advisor to Youth Resources and Sports; Obed Quinker, Chairman of the Nagaland Bee Keeping and Honey Mission; K. Shohe, Chairman of the Nagaland State Mineral Development Corporation; Prasielie Pienyü, Chairman of Nagaland Handloom and Handicraft Corporation; Sebastian Zumvu, Chairman of Sovima Village; and Rev. Zhau Sanchu, Principal of the Hope Institute of Theology.
He also acknowledged the presence of three distinguished guests from Japan. Hirokazu Matsumoto, a renowned bamboo artist; Ryuta Saito, Second Secretary at the Embassy of Japan in India, Kuniaki Yazawa, an official from JICA India. Ezung emphasized the importance of their visit in fostering collaborations in bamboo art, culture, and entrepreneurship. A special song by Akokla Langu and a traditional Kuki Bamboo Dance by the Bungsang Village Cultural Group added a touch of cultural vibrancy to the event.
The carnival also marked the launch of exhibition stalls showcasing a wide range of innovative bamboo-based products. Live demonstrations featured bamboo crafts from the Tuli Bamboo Cluster, handicrafts from BAM Hub, sustainable energy solutions like Longmi Bamboo Charcoal Briquettes, bamboo-based jewellery by Akami, unique bamboo products from Native Product Industrial, dry flower arrangements by Nobody Talie, handicrafts by The Naga Feather Pvt. Limited, bamboo-based items by Sera Self-Help Group, crafts by the Craft and Development Society, bamboo innovations by Bamboo Concept, and Japanese bamboo artistry by Matsumoto.
The exhibition and demonstrations will be open to the public daily from 5th to 7th December 2024, between 12:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Er. Vedukho Rhakho, Team Member of NBDA. (DIPR)