KOHIMA, July 21: An exhibition tracing the United States’ journey to independence opened at the Regional Centre of Excellence for Music and Performing Arts (RCEMPA), Jotsoma, on Tuesday, with leaders in Nagaland describing it as a reflection of the decades-old ties between the Naga people and the United States.
Titled “The Road to Liberty: The Leaders and Moments That Forged the United States,” the exhibition has been organised by the White House Founders Museum in collaboration with the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata and the Nagaland government’s Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA). Part of the celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence, it showcases the leaders and defining moments that shaped the United States through digital storytelling and visual displays.
Inaugurating the exhibition, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Nagaland and Chairman of the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), Abu Metha, said it was an honour for Nagaland to host the exhibition, describing it as a symbol of the enduring relationship between the Naga people and the United States.
He said the partnership has had a profound influence on Nagaland through Christianity, education, culture and people-to-people ties. Despite its small size, he said, Nagaland has a rich history and a proud legacy of building meaningful friendships across the world, recalling that international partners, including Americans, had stood by the people of the state during difficult times.
Encouraging the youth to carry forward that legacy, Metha said Nagaland’s growing recognition in music, arts and culture has created fresh opportunities to further strengthen ties between Nagaland, India and the United States.
TaFMA Chairman Theja Meru said the exhibition offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the history of the United States and the leaders who shaped the nation. He appealed to principals, teachers, parents and students across Nagaland to visit the exhibition and make use of the educational experience.
The programme also featured a musical performance by Lucy Arila, followed by a guided tour of the exhibition.
The exhibition will remain open to the public at RCEMPA, Jotsoma, from July 22 to 25, between 11 am and 4 pm.
