The Sunshine Orchestra, Nagaland Chapter, a project under the AR Rahman Foundation, presented their debut musical recital at Centre of Excellence for Music & Arts, Kohima on 31st May 2025 with Advisor for Water Resources, Tongpang Ozukum as the Special Guest.
Ozukum in his address expressed his gratitude for the debut recital performance showcased by The Sunshine Orchestra, Nagaland Chapter said that the performances was not only talent showcasing but celebrating the progress and achievement, which the Sunshine Orchestra had accomplished in five years after signing an MoU with Dr. A R Rahman in the year 2019 on behalf of TaFMA and with the initiative of Chief Minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio. He stated that a mile stone has been achieved for TaFMA and AR Rahman Foundation as well as The Sunshine Orchestra.
He emphasized that TaFMA with their commitment and vision have today revolutionized music in Nagaland and nurtured musicians that have placed Nagaland and Naga music in the national and global map of music and added that their effort and creativity have also inspired a generation of musicians to follow their profession with pride and transform music into a platform to showcase talent of identity to unite the Nagas.
Ozukum also highlighted that AR Rahman Foundation was founded in 2008 with an aim to impart free musical training to the underprivileged children with an objective to identify talents from a particular section of the society to make them professional, counted in the society and make them someone in life. He therefore expressed his gratitude to the AR Rahman for extending this venture to Nagaland, for the quest for music that has benefited underprivileged children of Nagaland through the Foundation tofday.
He also called upon the children to be involved with the musical family of The Sunshine Orchestra as it was a lifetime opportunity through AR Rahman Foundation, guided by TaFMA and asked them to be grateful to them and be true to their profession.
Chairman, TaFMA, Theja Meru who proposed the welcome address also highlighted that The Sunshine Orchestra, Nagaland Chapter comprised of children from Kohima Orphanage and Destitute Home was launched in 2019 by Chief Minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio and today they have 20 children altogether in the Orchestra.
The evening was entertained with musical recital performed by the nine violin students of The Sunshine Orchestra, Nagaland Chapter led by their Director, Vilhou Kezo and pianist Kecha Pfukri, special number was presented by Zavino Nakhro and a piano recital by Wenwen.
The programme was hosted by Dr. Hovithal Sothu and vote of thanks was proposed by Aleno Sale.
(Maongtemjen, IA)
