KG Kenye, along with others at Porba village on Thursday. (EM
Images)
PORBA — Minister for Power and Parliamentary
Affairs, KG Kenye, on Thursday called upon the younger generation to uphold the
intangible heritage of their ancestors passed down to the present generation.
Addressing the 75th anniversary celebration of the Porbami
Students’ Union (PSU), held at Porba village in Phek district, as the special
guest, he cautioned against the Naga people's quest for monetary benefits alone
at the cost of losing integrity and honesty.
KG Kenye speaking during the 75th anniversary celebration of the Porbami
Students’ Union at Porba village, Phek. (EM Images)
Stating that Porba village is known for its age-old
traditions and values, he called upon the new generation to re-inculcate these
traits.
The minister stated that during the olden days, parents,
despite their limited education and financial constraints, sacrificed their
hard-earned resources, even to the extent of selling rice, which was cultivated
with much hard work, to invest in education. These sacrifices have now yielded
results, bringing about enlightenment and development, he said.
Kenye acknowledged the white people for introducing
education to the Naga Hills and the Naga elders who had reciprocated
positively, making sacrifices for the education of their children. This has now
made Nagaland one of the states with the highest literacy rates in the country,
he said.
Highlighting that the British, in 1873, passed the Bengal
Eastern Regulations Act with strict provisions for special protection, which continues
as the Inner Line Permit (ILP), he acknowledged the American missionaries and
the British rulers for bringing education and providing protection to the Naga
people.
Kenye stated that the Nagas continue to yearn and struggle
for sovereignty. While pointing out that the Naga National Movement was
initiated by the then student leaders, he mentioned that the statehood, which
is more than 60 years old, was aligned by the same student leaders.
“The most unproductive generation is the present generation,
still living on the foundation and sacrifices of the elders,” said Kenye,
adding that the present generation is more self-centred and has not risen to
the occasion to contribute positively to society, the people, and the land.
In this regard, he emphasised the need for an inner
challenge within each individual.
Pointing out that many unresolved issues persist in Naga
society, Kenye expressed his commitment to resolving these issues with the
present government. He sought support from the public to solve these protracted
issues.
Observing that various Naga tribes have tales of migration
from different directions, he noted that while everyone knows their culture,
traditions, and heritage, many tribes have not come forward to truthfully
narrate their migratory routes and history as passed down through generations.
He also observed that the Nagas are only bound by a thin
thread. He stated that Nagas have yet to arrive at a consensus about the name
and meaning of 'Naga,' which was given by outsiders and adopted during British
rule.
To foster a better understanding, Kenye emphasised the need
for more research among the younger generations to uncover the routes and
stories that elders have not yet spoken about.
Further, the minister said that the unresolved Naga political
issue should not solely be blamed for the existing fragmentation in Naga
society. While noting that the NPGs have not come together to truthfully
discuss and talk with each other, he pointed out they still maintain a
ceasefire with the government of India.
In this context, he expressed doubt that even if a solution
comes, Nagas would be able to live in unity. He urged the younger generation to
overcome barriers and foster unity.
Greetings were delivered by Medovi Rhi, President of the
Naga Students' Federation (NSF), and Pfhülo Sarah, President of the Chakhesang
Students' Union (CSU).
To commemorate the occasion, Kenye unveiled a monolith,
while the souvenir was released by Dr. K Chitale Hiese, Chief Medical Officer
of Phek.
KG Kenye speaking during the 75th anniversary celebration of the Porbami
Students’ Union at Porba village, Phek. (EM Images)