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S Phangyu Phom releases a booklet of the Eastern Yingnyu Union of Kohima during the group’s silver jubilee celebrations on Tuesday at the Duda guest house. (EM Images)[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Kohima, Nov. 12 (EMN): The minister for Health and Family Welfare S Pangnyu Phom said the long-felt desire of the Nagas is being answered and a new era is going to start. He was addressing the Eastern Yingnyu Union Kohima’s (EYUK) silver jubilee celebrations on Tuesday at the Duda guest house.
He maintained that ‘God has answered the prayers of the Nagas, and of the poor, illiterate and of the villagers who with much dedication and faith had prayed and yearned for decades, crying out for a political solution.’ He added that “A new chapter and new era is going to start.”
Phom therefore called for unity, understanding and respect among leaders and the Naga tribes. He advised the people to respect the tribal Hohos who are the apex bodies of the tribes.
Phom urged the people to demonstrate unity and cooperation irrespective of which village or area they are from, for there is unity in diversity. He called for ‘unity mentality’ for the youngsters to gain respect while also maintaining their identity.
The minister commended the efforts of the people from eastern Yingnyu for the bond they share, and commemorating the silver jubilee together. He advised the members to recall the sacrifice and deeds of their pioneers for their upbringing. The Yingnyu area is said to consist of the villages Sakshi, Yimchong, Aching, Yongphang, Yangching, Pongo and Hungnyu.
“Jubilee is day of celebration and day of remembrance,” Phom said, and reminded the gathering that jubilee must be days of realisation, a time for planning the future and retrospect on achievements and contribution as an individual, community and society.
He urged the people not expect the community to give to them but think about what they can offer to the community, the society and the Nagas people in general. Likewise, he urged them to be committed and determined. This will create more meaning to the celebration of the jubilee, he said.
According to the minister, a person with much education and intellect ‘does not have meaning unless a person gives back to the society.’ He advised them to explore what they have learned in the modern times’ technologically advanced society and to contribute their knowledge and ideas to the development of the society.
He urged the people to cultivate a competitive mindset to achieve thing in life and called for collective efforts to work together through dedication and commitment.
In commemoration of the silver jubilee, a souvenir was released by the minister.
The president of the Phom Union of Kohima YP Along also exhorted the gathering. He advised the EYUK to stand firm in their goals.
