19/08/2024
Last night’s public opening was truly memorable, brought to life by the presence of the iconic Ao Naga Choir. This choir, established in 2009 by Lanu Yaden, has withstood the test of time and continues to be an inspiration of cultural preservation.
Yaden, who came to Delhi as a teenager, discovered a deeper purpose in life and founded the choir while also working as an educationist in a prestigious Delhi school. Driven by a passion to preserve the cultural heritage of his home state, Yaden dedicated himself to ensuring that the traditions of his people live on through song.
The Nagas, is far more than a collection of images adorning the walls of Museo Camera, Centre for the Photographic Arts
And the photos on display provide a crucial link to the past, ensuring that the rich heritage of the Naga people will be preserved for future generations.
In the 1980s, two photographers Aditya Arya and Pablo Bartholomew ventured into Nagaland, what was supposed to be work trips landed up into another project for the duo as they were mesmerised by the state's rich landscapes. Their lenses captured the essence of Naga life, producing invaluable records of their observations. The photographers made several returns to deepen their documentation of a society marked by a tumultuous history now navigating the path to modernity.
With a history stretching back centuries, the Nagas’ story is primarily preserved through oral traditions and is sparse in written records. This exhibition holds profound significance as it transcends mere imagery; it connects the present to the past. Through these compelling visual archives, the Nagas not only honour their heritage but also build a bridge to the future, ensuring their legacy endures and evolves with the times.
