Mokokchung, September 29: Emphasising on the need to know one’s own culture and also to transmit those values, beliefs and customs to next generation, Government High School Mangmetong in Mokokchung district celebrated its Cultural Day programme in the school’s assembly hall on September 29.
Apart from the cultural presentation from students and teachers, resource persons who are conversant with Ao Naga custom and traditional knowledge were roped in to enlighten the students to know more about their culture.
One of the resource persons, Tekarongsen Jamir, former chairman of Mangmetong village council, while dwelling on the topic “Aor Jayajakoyim & Kibalembo (Ao traditional address to other and marriage system) asserted that showing respect to other starts from addressing the appropriate kinship names such as uncle, aunt, nephew, etc..
He also added all Naga tribes have its own distinct and unique practices in this subject that regulate number of functions to be performed by a person accordingly to their custom and tradition. Besides, he said for the Ao these subject matters were taught at the institution like Morung for the boys.Tekarongsen also said the Ao Naga have a strong foundation on this subject and stated that addressing the appropriate kinship names to the other person binds the bondage of emotional ties and respect between them and community at large.
In this regard, he encouraged the students not to address the elders by their names but through appropriate traditional kinships norms and also seek advised from elders to clear their doubts.
In the context of Ao marriage, Tekarongsen mentioned that Ao Nagas custom and tradition strictly prohibit inter-marriage within the clan. He, therefore, advised the students to be very cautious and consult elders for clarification before they plunge into such alliance.
Another resource person, Moatemjen Imchen spoke on the topic “Sobaliba ken rated & Angazuba Mapang (Tradition Ao folklore and its meaning).” He said folklore represents the culture and tradition of a tribe and it also reflects the moral values of a particular culture and society. Moatemjen further added that folklore is lucid and explanatory with a greater and deeper insight of our identities. He explained the different enchanting sounds and tunes use in folk songs by male and female. Headmaster of the school I Toshi Kichu delivered the welcome address.
