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Minister of Rural Development, Metsubo Jamir, releasing the jubilee souvenir during the Kumlong Ward golden jubilee celebration at MGHSS auditorium on October 8.[/caption]
Dimapur, Oct. 8 (EMN): Kumlong ward, which is one of the oldest and most populous wards in Mokokchung town, celebrated its 50th anniversary at Mayangnokcha Government Higher Secondary School auditorium on October 8 with the minister of Rural Development, Metsubo Jamir, as the special guest.
Apart from the citizens of the colony, representatives from other colonies, All Ward Union Mokokchung, Ungma Village Council, Ao Senden, district administration officials and others participated in the jubilee celebration, Longrangty Longchar, member of Kumlong Ward golden jubilee planning committee, has stated in an update on October 8.
The special guest, Metsubo Jamir, while speaking at the programme, stated that a ward/colony is like a village, which is formed by people from different communities and backgrounds. He stated that the ward celebrating its golden jubilee is an immense blessing from God as there are many people, especially the youth have achieved greatly in the state and also in the national levels.
Paying rich tribute to the pioneers of the colony, the minister stated that the earliest settlers -- six families who were also honoured with certificates at the programme -- might have deeply prayed to God to bless the area as the present generation is reaping the great blessings from God. He also urged the people not to take the jubilee lightly but to honour the past and also take it as a moment to forgive any past mistakes.
He further stated that the people should take the jubilee as a time to ask for God’s blessings and guidance so that the citizens of Kumlong Ward would excel ever more in the days to come.
The main speaker of the programme, retired principal and educationist, Akok Walling, while making a reference from the Bible in the book of Exodus, stated that jubilee is a ‘divine religious phrase’ which connotes something sacred and a means to praise God. He has termed Kumlong as one of the most peaceful wards where anti-social activities like sale of alcohol, prostitutions etc are not practiced. He regretted that Kumlong Ward, which has the highest voters in the Mokokchung town constituency, still does not have community hall.
While dwelling on the theme of the jubilee ‘Tsungchi mera,’ the well known educator stated that it talks about ‘truth, transparency, unrelenting spirit and tenacity’ while ‘mera’ (or step in Ao dialect) represents footprint and also the trail of an animal or person. In this regard, he said that a colony represents the harmonious coexistence of communities where each community brings its own roots and identity. He, therefore, stated that the roots and identities contain primarily of ‘form and structure’ and also ‘philosophy, spirit and values.’
Stating that ‘the form and structure’ of the past traditional practices might be done away while moving ahead with the change of time, he cautioned that there is also a danger of throwing away the content or philosophy along with it which could make the people lose their identity.
He also stated that the Nagas, unlike the Indian or the western society, from ancient times is known as an egalitarian society where every individual works hard and share their wealth with the community. While calling for appreciating the philosophy of the ancestors, Walling also said that every traditional practice by the ancestors – like swearing by the spear or slaughter of Mithun – contains a deep meaning and philosophy. He, however, stated that in the modern times, most of the traditional practices have been discontinued and with it the core values and philosophy are also slowly losing.
Also, while envisioning the future twenty five years from now, Walling urged the residents of the colony ‘to have an urban mindset’ and ‘urban thinking, understanding and rationality’ so that the colony and the town would progress more in the years to come.
Meanwhile, a two point jubilee resolution was also adopted where it was resolved that a multipurpose sports stadium would be built within 10 years. It was also resolved to conserve the environment and undertake a people’s movement on cleanliness so that Kumlong Ward would become an exemplary ward in the town.
A minute of silence in honour of the departed souls was also observed while the pastor of Kumlong Baptist Church Rev. I Lima Jamir invoked God’s blessings. The chairman of the Kumlong Ward Council, S Lanu Imchen welcomed the gathering. Short speeches were also delivered by the chairman of Mongsenbai Ward Temjensangba Longkumer; president of All Ward Union Mokokchung R Ayim Longkumer, and the tatar of Ungma Village Council, Imtitongba.
The ward council members presented a traditional song, while the Watsu unit of Kumlong Ward presented a song. A souvenir book was also released by the special guest on the occasion.
