Kohima: The Spear Corps of the Indian Army conducted a mega music competition named, ‘Fusion of the Bands’ a prestigious Hindi music competition for the youth of Nagaland, at Rangapahar Military Station, Dimapur. Bands and artists from 16 districts of the state participated in the event, conducted in three phases.
The first phase was an online audition phase, where 29 bands showcased their musical prowess. After a rigorous selection process, 12 bands were shortlisted to compete, after the semi-finals held on 26 March 2024 at Rangapahar Military Station.
In the third and final phase, the selected bands and artists presented a captivating and vibrant musical extravaganza on 28 March 2024, showcasing their exceptional talent in the field of Hindi music.
The event was conducted under Operation Sadbhavana, providing a unique platform for artists, representing the vast and diverse geographical extent of the state, rendering heart-touching and soul-stirring performances.
The final event was graced by the esteemed presence of La Ganesan, Honourable Governor of Nagaland, as the Chief Guest, held at Bhagat Stadium, Rangapahar Military Station.
The presence of renowned guest artistes like Imna Yaden, Eva Rongmei, NK Naga, Akumsen Lemtur, Aloboli Kinimi, and the illustrious Prashant Tamang, Winner of Indian Idol Season 3, provided a musical spectacle of unparalleled grandeur.
The journey to the finals of Fusion of the Bands, although rigorous, was a rewarding experience for the participants. Underscoring the significance of recognizing and rewarding exceptional musical prowess, the winner of the competition Noisy Neighbours from Dimapur, was awarded ₹3 lakh, while the first runner-up Kunwang Wanghum from Dimapur was awarded ₹2 lakh and second runner-up Lies and Lullabies of Kohima received ₹1 lakh, respectively. Acknowledging the remarkable musical abilities of the finalists, each of the bands was awarded ₹25,000.
The fusion of the Bands stood as a testament to the musical vibrancy and talent that thrives in Nagaland. With a stellar line-up of artists, generous prize offerings, and a meticulous selection process, the talent hunt not only celebrated music but also nurtured and promoted the rich cultural heritage of the region. The unforgettable musical experience for both participants and audiences alike cemented Nagaland’s position as a hub of musical excellence.
Through Operation Sadbhavna, the Indian Army executes diverse initiatives based on the ‘Felt Need’ of the population. The projects are selected after carefully considering the local aspirations, in conjunction with local administration to ensure that there is no duplicity of the projects being shortlisted.
Projects like National Integration Tours (NIT), Women Empowerment, Employment Generation, Education, Opportunities to Youth for Showcasing Talent and Development Activities towards nation-building are planned and executed under Operation Sadbhavna.
