In a proud moment for Arunachal Pradesh, Dr. Tony Koyu was conferred the prestigious Legendary Artistes Award by the Arunachal Artistes Forum (AAF) on the occasion of its 21st Foundation Day. The award ceremony took place at the 6th Mile Arunachal Artistes Multipurpose Hall in Itanagar, recognizing Dr. Koyu’s exceptional contributions to the preservation, promotion, and popularization of the rich and diverse art and culture of the state.
The Arunachal Artistes Forum, a body dedicated to nurturing and uplifting the cultural legacy of the region, acknowledged Dr. Koyu’s lifelong dedication and impactful work in enriching the artistic heritage of Arunachal Pradesh. His contributions have played a vital role in sustaining traditional practices and promoting them among newer generations.
The certificate, bearing the official seals and signatures of Takam Dado Tallom, Chairman of AAF, and Yami Lazi, General Secretary of AAF, stands as a testament to Dr. Koyu’s legacy in the cultural landscape of the state.
The celebration was attended by artistes, cultural enthusiasts, and dignitaries who lauded the achievements of Dr. Tony Koyu and reaffirmed the importance of preserving indigenous art forms in today’s rapidly modernizing world.
This recognition marks yet another milestone in Dr. Koyu’s illustrious journey and serves as an inspiration for budding artists across the region.
In a vibrant celebration of artistic excellence, the Arunachal Artistes Forum (AAF) hosted a grand cultural function that saw the felicitation of numerous stalwarts in the field of art and culture. The event was graced by Shri Ibom Tao, Director of the Department of Art and Culture, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, who attended as the Guest of Honour.
Shri Tao extended his heartfelt appreciation to all the awardees, especially the Legendary Artistes. He acknowledged the contributions of AAF and assured the gathering that the government would look into the grievances raised by its president. He also informed that a pension scheme for senior artistes of Arunachal Pradesh has already been initiated.
In his address, Shri Tao appealed to artistes to preserve and promote traditional performances such as the ‘Peacock Dance’, the Adi ‘Taapu’ war dance, and the Galo ‘Nyida Parik’. He also urged the translation of patriotic songs into various tribal dialects and encouraged close collaboration between AAF and the Department of Art and Culture to further strengthen tribal heritage.
Prominent Nyishi singer and Chairman of the Nyishi Art and Cultural Society, Mr. Bengia Tabb, lauded the efforts of Mr. Takam Dado Tallum, President of AAF, for organizing the event despite personal hardships. AAF’s founding members—Mrs. Taba Yal Nabam, Lt. Marto Kamdak, and Dr. Tony Koyu—and credited the present leadership for popularizing the forum and securing a five-year lease for its premises from the state government. Mr. Tabb urged the government to permanently allot the premises to AAF and recommended that the forum diversify its Executive Body by including senior artistes from various communities. He further encouraged cross-cultural participation, suggesting that Nyishi artistes be invited to perform at festivals like Solung and Mopin.
Speaking on behalf of AAF, Mr. Takam Dado Tallum appealed to the government to consider providing pensions and family pensions for senior artistes who have devoted their lives to promoting tribal art and culture. Highlighting the challenges faced by local filmmakers, he described film production in the state as a non-commercial venture due to limited market access. He requested subsidies for tribal filmmakers and better film equipment to enhance production quality. He also called for financial support for music video producers and training programs in acting, directing, and editing.
The Chief Guest of the event, Mr. Nyali Ete, IAS, Secretary of the Department of Art and Culture, distributed the Legendary Artistes Awards and praised the efforts of AAF’s executive team. He assured that the department would review pending proposals aimed at promoting tribal arts.
The posthumous Legendary Artistes Award was emotionally accepted by Mr. Jimmy Mize on behalf of his late father, Lt. Talut Mize, for his contributions to the state’s cultural legacy. Other notable awardees included:
Mr. Boke Bagra, RJ – Best Anchor Award
Dr. Bamang Loram – Preservation and Promotion of Nyishi Folk Music
Mrs. Rerik Karlo , recipient of the Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar – Excellence in Singing
Miss Pakngam Lombi – Contribution to Art and Culture
Mr. Tai Togung and team – Felicitated for Acting
Mr. Tumken Sora, Miss Yasha Nyogin Kasang, and others – Felicitated for their music video album “Suna”
The event concluded with widespread praise for the Arunachal Artistes Forum’s initiatives, seen as a much-needed inspiration for the next generation of performing artistes in the state.
