Chakhesang community asked to document cultural legacy

Nüzota Swüro and members of Chakhesang Cultural Organisation during its annual general session in Kohima on Saturday.

• KOHIMA — The Chakhesang Cultural Organisation (CCO) on Saturday held its annual general session at Red Cross Building in Kohima with Nüzota Swüro, chairman of Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency (NBDA), as the guest speakers.
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• Addressing the gathering, Swüro said that the Chakhesang culture is a rich tapestry of rituals, songs, attire and traditions intricately woven into history.
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• “Yet today, this heritage stands at risk of fading away. Without urgent and collective action, we may lose the very essence of who we are,” he said and called for the immediate documentation and preservation of the cultural legacy to safeguard its originality and ensure its survival for future generations.

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• He said that Christianity has brought profound blessings to the people, most importantly, the message of the Gospel and the promise of salvation through Jesus Christ. He, however, stated that Christianity has led to gradual erosion of indigenous Naga knowledge and cultural practices.
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• He said that the weaving of faith with cultural identity is crucial.
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• “We can embrace Christianity while honouring the traditions that define us, he said, and called for taking action “because preservation is no longer optional—it is crucial.”
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• “We must record our culture and traditions in their full context with rigorous research ensuring accuracy for future generations before they are lost to globalisation,” he said adding, “To preserve is to honour. To document is to ensure our culture does not fade—but flourishes.”
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• “We face the risk of losing the originality of our folk songs. While fusion songs are growing in popularity and certainly has their appeal, greater emphasis must be placed on preserving the authentic form of our folk songs,” Swüro added.
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• He added that reviving the age-old traditions of economic self-dependence is not just a cultural necessity but a powerful step toward resilience and sustainability.
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• “We can also no longer ignore the urgent threat of climate change, which is already disrupting our traditional agricultural way of life. The time to act is now - by raising awareness, making conscious choices and working together to protect our future and the legacy of our land,” Swüro said.
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• President of Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO), Vezuhu Keyho, also spoke on the occasion and suggested the initiation of Chakhesang Cultural Day.
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• CCO joint secretary, Neikhwezu Venuh, read out the general secretary’s report and concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by CCO finance secretary, Lecho Krocha.