Our Correspondent
Phek, Jan. 15 (EMN): The second general conference of Phek Village Youth Organisation (PVYO) coinciding with Sükrünye and cultural day was held at Phek village’s local ground on January 15.
Gracing the occasion as chief host, member of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Kuzholuzo Nienu, urged the gathering to uphold the customary practices and traditions of the forefathers. ‘We must pass these traditions on to the next generation,’ Nienu remarked.
On the contrary, Nienu said one must differentiate between good and bad traits of the customary practices as he pointed that all traditions are not upright. He asked the people to imbibe good practices and modify whichever is necessary based on the Christian principles. He was of the view that one can modify the festival by incorporating Christian teachings and its values.
In order to achieve that, Nienu urged the leaders to undertake study and research so as to bring out the rules that celebrate the festival in accordance with Christian tenets unlike the olden days where merry making, drinking and all sort of customary practices marked the festival.
Asserting that Sükrünye festival is celebrates to “purify or sanctify,” he asked the people to revive oneself through the festival. He added that the festival was celebrated to strengthen the spirit of brotherhood and unity among the community.
Nienu also said that “respecting and loving” one another is the most important thing in life. He further launched the new constitution of PVYO and asked the leaders to practice, follow, and implement the law.
President of PVYO, Vekupa Venuh, in his welcome address, said the organisation began as early as 1956 – 57. The conference has existed for over 60 years despite being the second general conference, Venuh said. He also spoke about the achievements of PVYO and went on to say that preserving forest area is one of the top priorities of the organisation.
Earlier, Nienu unfurled the flag and was followed by blowing of traditional horn.
Thuputhiyi Venuh presided over the programme and clarified about the conference clashing with the celebration of Sükrünye festival. He said the organisation’s general conference is usually held in the month of January.
The event witnessed competitions in various traditional games among various khels. The games included top spinning for men, traditional dice game for ladies, traditional fire making, tug of war, and folk dance.
