As part of the Hornbill Festival, The Rattle and Hum Music Society in collaboration with the Tourism Department, Government of Nagaland organized the 7th “Handshake Concert” at the Raj Bhavan, Kohima on December 4.
The chief host of the programme was Governor of Nagaland, La Ganesan and managing director, JK Tyre & Industries Ltd., Anshuman Singhania was the chief guest. The programme was also attended by the chief minister Neiphiu Rio.
Padma Bushan and Grammy Award winner Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt and Tabla player Himanshu Mahant performed pieces from his “Grammy Award” music album “A meeting by the river” as well as other pieces. The Nagaland Aeterna Singers Choir presented two songs and the Kewhira Stringers performed two pieces. The Nagaland Ensemble also joined Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt and Himanshu Mahant and performed two fusion pieces. Pt VM Bhatt expressed his happiness and lauded the chief minister of Nagaland Neihpiu Rio for supporting the youth and promoting musical and cultural heritage.
The governor felicitated the chief guest and his lady wife as well as the other special invitees. The event was also attended by the Asst. High Commissioner of Bangladesh and Head of the Mission, Guwahati, Rahul Amin, NITI Aayog officials, invitees from different churches, students and others.
Advisor Rattle and Hum Music Society, Abu Metha gave the introductory speech and welcomed all the artistes and participants and said that the “Handshake Concert” has been bringing together artistes and cultural ambassadors from different regions and corners of the globe. He informed that it was the aspiration of Rattle and Hum Music Society for a better appreciation of India and its culture to the world.
Metha also said that it has created a platform for musicians from different parts of the country to get national and international recognition. (PRO Raj Bhavan)