Our Correspondent
Mokokchung, December 16
Mokokchung town’s quasquicentennial celebrations entered its fourth day on Tuesday, December 15, at the Imkongmeren Sport Complex with much entertainment and various competitive events.
In entertainment, a fashion fiesta showcasing Mokokchung best, Easter Jamir as the choreographer and director while the Miss World Beauty 2015 and Brand Ambassador for tourism and humanity - Miss Pan Continental World 2015, Imlibenla Wati, was the show stopper for the event.
Prominent figures amongst the models were Miss Nagaland 2015 second runner-up Yangerjungla Pongen and Ayuasangla, Miss Mokokchung 2015. Knit wear collection design by Akum Longchar, Retro Collection design by Akala Ponger and Ramokla Pongen Cocktail Julle Dress were displayed by the models during the show.
Also, Chibi & Open Cosplay competition “Mokos’ was also organized for the first time in Mokokchung as part of the quasquicentennial celebrations. The event was staged at the P Shilu Park. Altogether 16 participants took part in the Open Cosplay competition. The participants wore the costumes tailored after their favorite anime characters’ apparel. Only one participant took part in Chibi but no less exciting for the event.
A participant, Sungjemen, who dressed up as Hanji from Attack on the Titans was adjudged as the winner of Open Cosplay competition. Odiben, who dressed up as Mikasa from Attack on the Titans and, another participant, Chuba, dressed up as Bucky, were declared first and second runners-up respectively.
Also, Alemchizung (Hidan), Alila (Erza), Chinook (Gaara), Nukmen (Death) and Akai (Ichigo) were awarded consolation prizes. Chibi participant Imlinaro (Red Riding Hood) was awarded a consolation prize.
The first three winner’s prizes included cash and the champion was awarded with a limited edition of ‘Manga’ sponsored by NAJ. The consolation prizes included merchandise both for open category as well as Chibi. The events as adjudged by the Nagaland Anime Junkies of Kohima.
SC Jamir honored with ‘Quasqui Centennial Man’ award
Dr SC Jamir, the Governor of Odisha was on Wednesday, December 16, honored with the ‘Quasqui Centennial Man’ by the Core Committee of Mokokchung 125 years celebration during a felicitation program that was held at Imkongmeren Complex on Wednesday evening.
Speaking at the program as the chief guest, Dr SC Jamir urged the people of Mokokchung that the celebrations should be the beginning of a new journey, ‘of hope, love, peace, new progressive mindset, nationalism and diligence.’
He said that the people of Nagaland today face challenges in meeting peace, unity, and confronting tribalism, regressed mindsets and poor education should the state wish to compete with fast-paced world outside.
The challenges of social, economic, cultural and political spheres can be tackled only if peace prevails in the land, he said. “We have to overcome all the difference and stay truly united. It is when we are united that we will succeed in challenging the negative force and welcome the positive force to move forward,” the former chief minister of Nagaland.
One of India’s senior most politicians said Nagaland should bury its ‘sentiments and emotion attached to tribalism’ which he said has taken the people and the state to nowhere. “We need to shun tribalism for all practical purposed; instead it is high time that people of Nagaland usher in the mindset of nationalism,” he said.
The governor added that change of attitude and mindset was a big challenge ‘which we have to overcome.’ He opined that the youth will have to adopt a progressive mindset, which he said can ‘visualize the next 30-40 years into the future and Nagaland’s position at that time.’
‘Nagaland lacks quality teachers, education’
The former governor of Goa also pointed out that Nagaland lags in high quality teachers ‘who can turn our academic institution to centers of excellence.’ He reminded that long-term planning is needed ‘where education sector is strengthened evolving an effective mechanism which will do wonders for the state and her people.’
He wondered whether or not Nagaland was ready to absorb massive changes when the Act East Policy brings unprecedented changes to the whole region within decades in term of business investment and influx of people from South-Eastern Asian and Asian nation begins. In this connection, Jamir said a concrete roadmap for the future should begin in the right earnest from the present ‘which will prepare us for the future.’
Meanwhile, former chief secretary of Nagaland Alemtemshi Jamir presented the awards. Former state official K khekiye Sema IAS delivered a speech about Mokokchung during the event too.
