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DIMAPUR — Advisor of Industries and Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu, has called upon the people irrespective of tribes to work hard to usher in development at par with other states of the country.
She stated this while addressing on the concluding day of the two-day 17th Bishu Mini Hornbill Festival, organised by the Dimasa Public Organisation Nagaland (DPON) and sponsored by the department of Tourism on Sunday at the Government High School playground in Dhansiripar, Chümoukedima.
She called upon the Dimasa Kachari community to work hard and prosper instead of viewing themselves as a minority in Nagaland, while reminding them that both the Nagaland and Assam governments share concerns for the Kachari community. She reminded that without the hard work and contributions from the community, the infrastructure would remain mere structures.
She also stressed the need to shift in mindset and encourage them to be bold in navigating those challenges.
She mentioned that the Kachari community is one of the earliest settlers in the Dimapur belt and added that it is the government's responsibility to provide infrastructure development,
While advocating the importance of preserving ancestral land, Jakhalu appealed to the Kachari community not to sell their land.
Jakhalu further expressed that the celebration of Bishu holds great significance, especially with the presence of numerous ministers and advisors from Nagaland and Assam.
Addressing the gathering as a special guest, Minister of Power, Sports and Youth Affairs, Cooperation, Indigenous and Tribal Faith and Culture, Government of Assam, Nandita Gorlosa, noted that in tribal societies, preferences were accorded not only to males but also to females.
However, when it comes to decision-making, she felt that women were consistently excluded from the decision-making. Gorlosa urged the Dimasa Kachari community not to undermine themselves as a minority but instead work with diligence in unity for a better tomorrow.
While addressing the gathering as a special guest, minister of Tourism and Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along, mentioned that despite the distinctions all are equal. He has called upon every community to respect each other for the uplift of the society
The minister also highlighted the significance of preserving traditional customs and fostering unity among indigenous communities.
While speaking on the occasion as a special guest, advisor of Youth Resources and Sports, S Keoshu Yimkhiung, mentioned that the state government-sponsored Mini Hornbill Festival is celebrated by every tribe in Nagaland to promote and preserve their traditions and cultural practices and to uphold the legacy.
Yimkhiung also encouraged the gathering to adhere strictly to their cultural practices and not replicate or copy other communities’ cultures.
The event witnessed a cultural presentation by Dhansiripar cultural troupe, Doyapur cultural troupe and Rimin Nehlaima.
Bishu prayer was administered by Sibrai Bismai Bosong (SBB) Nagaland Jyodywaj Hasnu, while the welcome address was delivered by DPON president, Ditush Naben, and Bishu greeting was delivered by the advisor of Kachari Tribal Council (KTC), SK Khemprai. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by DPON vice president, Atul Rajiyung.