Music means a lot to me. I feel it is the most effective medium through which we can reach out to people and rouse up emotions, which means it connects to the listener. The passion and the emotion that flows from it is simply scintillating, to say the least.
I started singing since I was a kid and I remember standing in the front row singing at the top of my voice when I was in kinder garden. I have never lost interest in singing since then. The support of my parents and my family has been the biggest asset in sustaining my interest and giving me the much needed push to perform at different platforms and I thank God for all that He has given me today.
At a time when we were disillusioned by the situation we were in, Naga Idol came along through the bold initiative of the Mokokchung District Art and Culture Council (MDACC) and it just exploded onto the scene giving opportunity to many Naga youth to showcase their talent and gave the much needed exposure. The MDACC has shown that inspite of all odds, we can make it big in the music industry if only pushed in the right direction. I entered the contest with some apprehension initially but once the idol journey started rolling, I knew I did the right thing. The most important thing is to take the first step boldly. Such opportunities come along once in a while and we should not let it pass by.
During the contest, the tips given by the judges has been quite useful and these are important things to be noted to carry you forward. The most exciting part of Naga Idol is that you get to perform at different venues all over Nagaland, even places I had never seen before and you get to meet a lot of people and make new friends. I thank the MDACC for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime.
I also would like to thank the people of Nagaland who have been there throughout my idol journey without which I would have never made it thus far. The love and support you gave me was tremendous. I can never thank you enough and I assure you that you will always be a part of me forever. It is my prayer that Nagaland will be a ray of hope in the global music scenario.
God bless you all.
Sentimenla Pongen
Note: Sentimenla was runners-up in Naga Idol 2006. She is a BA student at Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung and also a member of the Chancel Choir.