Ron Whitaker appointed chief musical diplomat for Naga-American Council
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 11 2024: Renowned rock drummer Ron Whitaker has been appointed as the chief musical diplomat for the Naga-American Council by honorary president of Nagalim, Grace Collins.

With a career spanning over 40 years, Whitaker brings a wealth of experience and a passion for humanitarian efforts to his new role, according to a statement of Nagalim.

"I've known Ron since 2008 and noticed every conversation led with How can we help the homeless and veterans?' He is not only a musician but, more importantly, is charitable-minded and is perfect to be one of our board ambassadors," commented Collins on Whitaker's appointment.

Whitaker's impressive career includes over 20 music awards, induction into the California Music Hall of Fame in 2023, and numerous accolades for his humanitarian work, including the prestigious Humanitarian of the Year Hollywood Celebrity Star in 2015 .

"As musical diplomat, his responsibilities will include organising his vast network of musicians to produce benefit concerts to help with the cru -sade to free Nagalim of its political struggle from India," stated Collins.

Inspired by the US Department of State Global Music Diplomacy Initiative, Collins created the musical diplomat position to stimulate awareness of the 75-year-old conflict between Nagalim and India, with the goal of encouraging peaceful co-existence.

"Music is a new form of 'multi-track diplomacy,' and I believe he will be an effective catalyst to facilitate peace, education, funding, and cultural exchange for the Naga plight," Collins explained.

Expressing his honour at being appointed as NAC's first musical diplomat, Whitaker remarked, "There are many types of oppression in the world, and there are even countries where you don't have freedom to play music.

I was excited to learn that the Nagas follow American music from Christian hymns to Country, Rap, and Rock.

I look forward to thinking of fun ways we can jam!" .

Comment