Longtrok Senden Ungma emerged as the winner of the 41st Sobaliba Saya cultural display at Ungma village.
MOKOKCHUNG — Longtrok Senden Ungma emerged as the winners of the 41st Sobaliba Saya (cultural display), organised by Longtrok Senden Ungma in collaboration with the North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC), Dimapur.
The event was held at Yimtsungda Arok Sabang, Ungma Village, on the evening of July 31.
Oriental Club Ungma and Salukum Rogo secured the first and second runners-up positions respectively. The competition was judged on the basis of attire, tribal call, dance, drum beat and song.
The annual Sobaliba Saya was attended by Dr. Watizulu Suzumeren Jamir, Chairman of the Development Authority of Nagaland (DAN), as the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, he urged the younger generation to learn and practise their rich cultural traditions, stressing that without knowledge of one’s roots, individuals risk losing their identity—regardless of material success—and may become a “lost tribe or community.”
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He cautioned against the growing influence of digital media, which he said often draws youngsters towards Western culture, potentially leading to a hybrid culture that distances them further from their ancestral roots.
Dr. Jamir discouraged youth from being swayed by Western influences and instead called upon them to firmly embrace their heritage, which he warned is on the verge of extinction if not carefully preserved.
He also lauded Longtrok Senden Ungma for its efforts in helping the younger generation understand and carry forward Ao culture and legacy.
The primary aim of the competition was to preserve Ao culture and tradition for future generations.
A total of ten clubs from Ungma village took part in the annual cultural folk dance competition. Special cultural presentations were also staged by the Longtrok Senden Women Group, while students of Fazl Ali College Students’ Union showcased an array of diverse Naga heritage.