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A glimpse of a musical performance during the KVGOA’s silver jubilee celebrations in Kohima on October 13.[/caption]
KOHIMA, OCTOBER 13 : Conservation, environment and global climate health are concerns that are directly linked to the health of humankind. It is time for the Naga people to live by example and ‘not by talking,’ a local legislator has advised citizens.
The Kohima Village Gazetted Officers’ Association (KVGOA) on Thursday celebrated their 25th anniversary. Minister for Forest, Environment & Climate Change, Dr Neikiesalie Kire, was the chief guest for the event that was conducted in the Kohima Village Council hall.
In his address, the minister expressed ‘deep concern’ at the dangers posed by Climate Change. Dr. Kire spoke about the need for conservation and protection of forest and their resources in Nagaland.
Stating that the Naga people do not known ‘when to stop,’ Minister Kire said concerted efforts should go into stopping the practice of burning jungles, killing animals and birds, and stopping the destruction of local flora and fauna.
‘If some control measures are not enforced to this effect,’ he said, ‘it will lead to extinction of some birds and animals, which are on the verge of extinction.’ He asserted that every village council, association, and individual must give utmost importance ‘to this issue to balance our eco-system.’
Further, Dr. Kire expounded the ‘importance of abiding by the laws and regulations’ as members of the society. He has urged citizens to live by example and ‘not by talking.’
In his presidential address, KVGOA’s President Keviletuo Yiese said that the organization was composed of more than 400 professionals and intellectuals. It can contribute to the uplift of not only the village, but to the development of Nagaland and her people, he said.
The members were encouraged to rise up to the occasion and ‘continuously strive to be upright and efficient officers.’
‘Let us make sure the legacy we leave behind is a good name, as it is said that one has to take care of one’s name because it lives longer,’ he said. Yiese has appealed to the members to rededicate to working for unity among communities.
A retired director of the SCERT, Vipralhou Kesiezie, who is also the first president of the KVGOA, addressed the event as well. He said God had blessed the village in many ways. Learned members of the society must contribute to development of not only the village but of the state too, he said. He urged the association to set goals ‘with broader vision not confining within the village’ but taking into account visions for the prosperity of the state.
In commemoration of the event, the association conducted training on livelihood, social work, health, among others. The association also offered financial assistance to help students from economically poor backgrounds; it handed over cash to the chairmen of four ‘khel’.
Two singing groups one each led by Neingumeü Kire and Pfulikhrie Keretsü performed for the gathering.
