Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, MAY 22 (NPN): Tagore Cultural Complex, Chümoukedima, constructed at a cost of Rs. 10 crore and funded by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India along with the state government, was inaugurated on Friday by Advisor for Art & Culture and Treasuries & Accounts, K. Konngam Konyak. A dedicatory prayer was offered by pastor of Sumi Baptist Church Chümoukedima, N. Benjamin Sema.
Addressing the gathering, Konyak underscored the importance of safeguarding public assets, stressing that government property ultimately belongs to the people. He lamented that such assets across Nagaland were often neglected or misused, citing instances of encroachment and misuse of public lands, including in Mon district. Calling for accountability, he urged citizens to take collective responsibility in preserving public infrastructure.
On the newly inaugurated complex, Konyak appealed to residents of Chümoukedima to value and properly maintain the facility. He also pointed out visible signs of water leakage and ceiling damage, directing the department to document defects and instructed the contractor for immediate rectification to prevent long-term deterioration. Delivering the technical report, SDO Art & Culture, Teisovilie, informed that the project, sanctioned during 2017–18, was allotted to M/s J.S. Builders in April 2018. He noted that the project faced delays due to the Covid -19 pandemic and theft incidents at the site. The G+1 RCC structure, with a plinth area of 13,641 sq. ft., comprises a hall, kitchen, store room and rehearsal spaces on the ground floor, while the first floor houses exhibition areas, VIP and guest rooms, dormitories and a seminar hall. He expressed confidence that the facility would serve as a significant cultural hub for Chümoukedima and surrounding areas.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Asst Archivist Temjenjungla, welcome address was delivered by Commissioner & Secretary Art & Culture, Bodeno S Colo, folk song presentation was given by Pochury Rülari Refü, and vote of thanks was proposed by Director Art & Culture, Adela Moa.