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Secretary of finance and budget, Y Kikheto being felicitated at the Gaan-Ngai festival celebration in New Jalukie village on January 24.[/caption]
Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, Jan. 24: Expounding that Nagas have inherited rich cultural legacy from the forefathers, secretary of finance & budget and land resources development Y Kikheto Sema has urged the public to promote good cultural values of the forefathers and discard the bad ones which are impediments to the growth of the society.
Speaking as the chief guest at the cultural day programme of the two-day Gaan-Ngai festival celebration of the Rongmei community at New Jalukie village ground on January 24, Kikheto said Nagas have been celebrating their respective festival since time immemorial with the sole purpose to give thanks to the almighty God although in different names.
He also reminded that even in the pre-Christian era, Nagas do not worship idol but believed in the existence of the almighty God which are manifested through rituals perform before the start and after any agrarian activities.
He said the forefathers were known for their honesty, humility, hard working, truthfulness, and have respect for elders. Kikheto has also not ruled out bad qualities of the forefather such as head hunting, indulging in consumption of wine and other immoral activities.
With the advent of Christianity in the Naga society, he urged the public to glean the good values of the forefather and promote them to the advantage of the society and discard the bad ones. While urging to conserve and promote one’s culture, he advised to honour others’ culture with equal respect.
Gaan-Ngai, which is celebrated with the harvest of yearly agricultural activities, Kikheto said the same process should be applied in all aspect of one’s life. He said it would render meaningless to celebrate without any toil and struggles.
On the occasion, Kikheto also called upon the Naga public to unite for building prosperous society, adding without unity Nagas cannot march forward and have the desired future.
On the current clean election campaign, Kikheto suggested that the same should be applied at all levels beginning from state assembly election to village council, VBD, church, students’ bodies and other organisations. Stating that Nagas are a small community, he appealed not to make it even smaller.
Presentations of traditional dances and songs as well as competition in indigenous games have marked the celebration.
