Javed Akhtar To Visit Kohima As IPRS Partners Nagaland Government On Music Rights Framework

The Indian Performing Right Society is set to deepen music rights awareness in Northeast India as its Chairman, Javed Akhtar, visits Kohima on March 21, 2026, alongside CEO Rakesh Nigam.

During the visit, the IPRS leadership is scheduled to meet the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Nagaland, along with senior officials and key authorities, to explore ways to strengthen music rights frameworks, licensing systems, and creator support mechanisms in the region.

First-of-Its-Kind State Collaboration

The initiative, in collaboration with the Government of Nagaland, marks a first-of-its-kind state-led effort to build grassroots awareness around music copyright, licensing, and royalties. The move positions Nagaland as a potential model for other states seeking to formalise and strengthen their creative economies.

IP Hub to Support Regional Creators

As part of the visit, IPRS will establish a dedicated IP Hub in Kohima in association with TaFMA. The centre will serve as a permanent on-ground support system for artists and music creators, helping them better understand copyright, manage their rights and metadata, and access IPRS services.

The hub will also guide creators on membership, work registration, and royalty processes, while facilitating stronger engagement within the regional music community. Additionally, it will support venues, organisers, and businesses in complying with licensing frameworks, promoting ethical and legal use of music.

Bridging Gaps in a Vibrant Music Ecosystem

Nagaland is widely recognised for its rich and diverse music culture, spanning tribal, regional, and independent artists, bands, and church musicians. However, many creators remain outside formal intellectual property systems, often missing out on rightful royalties from online platforms, live events, and commercial usage.

The initiative aims to bridge this gap by improving access, awareness, and infrastructure—ensuring fair recognition and remuneration for creators.

‘My Music My Rights’ Workshop

Alongside the IP Hub launch, IPRS will host a My Music My Rights workshop at the Regional Centre of Excellence for Music and Performing Arts. The session will bring together artists, composers, and music professionals from across the state, focusing on music rights, royalties, and the business of music.

Leadership Perspectives

Commenting on the initiative, Javed Akhtar emphasised the importance of recognising creators’ contributions, noting that while music transcends boundaries, the rights of those who create it must be equally acknowledged. He also highlighted the significance of government support in elevating creator rights as a cultural priority.

Rakesh Nigam added that the partnership represents a key step in translating conversations around creator rights into actionable frameworks on the ground. He described the IP Hub as a scalable model that could be replicated across states to ensure wider access to rights management systems.

Strengthening India’s Creator Economy

Through policy discussions and awareness initiatives, the collaboration aims to enhance intellectual property awareness, improve licensing practices, and strengthen enforcement mechanisms. By building robust infrastructure for creators, the initiative is expected to unlock new opportunities and contribute to the growth of a sustainable creator economy in Nagaland and beyond.

Programme Details:

Date: March 21, 2026
Venue: Regional Centre of Excellence for Music and Performing Arts, Kohima, Nagaland