[caption id="attachment_113653" align="alignleft" width="550"]
Patkai Choir performing at the Naga Day organised by Naga Elders’ Forum in Shillong on May 6.[/caption]
Dimapur, May 6 (EMN): Naga Elders’ Forum Shillong (NEFS) organised its first ever Naga day cum cultural extravaganza at U Soso Tham auditorium, State Central Library, Shillong, on May 6.
The programme was organised with the objective of bringing together all Nagas irrespective of their geographical divide to a common platform. The programme was graced by secretary of North East Council (NEC), Ramnganing Muivah, as the chief guest and the State Secretary of Land Resources, Y Kikheto Sema, as the guest of honour.
In his address, the chief guest said Khasis were one of the finest people and advised the youngsters to be respectful to the local people by conducting themselves properly.
Ramnganing also called upon Naga people in Shillong to be ambassadors of their respective tribes and their state.
He said the motifs and prints of Naga traditional attires were ‘biographical account of the wearer’ as it depicted the Naga way of life. He also encouraged youngsters to be diligent, industrious, honest and hardworking.
Guest of honour, Y Kikheto Sema said Naga people despite their geographical locations should remain united and spread peace and tranquillity. He asked the youngsters to know about their culture and be rooted in it.
“Wise people do not abandon their culture but preserve it. But preservation does not mean disrespect to other culture,” he added. He also lauded NEFS for organising the programme and bringing Nagas together and contributing towards promoting unity.
He said the need of the hour for the Naga people was to forgive and forget each other’s mistakes and surge ahead with unity.
Stating that Nagas cannot afford to create enmity within themselves or with neighbours, Kikheto called upon all to be living examples to other parts of the country.
President of NEFS, Tolu Chophy, in his welcome address, said that the objective of the programme was to bring all Nagas to a common platform to share oneness and unity. He said that culture and music have become a unifying factor for the Nagas and that this unity should not only be confined within Shillong but spread to other metros and states.
“To bring unity the contribution of each individual is required. We should forgive and forget and continue the Naga unity,” he said.
Nise Meruno and Zowe Madrigal, Guru Reuben Mashangva, Tetseo Sisters, Abiogenesis, Patkai Choir, Chonchon, Nimshimphy and Lhouvirielie Usou were some of the artistes that performed during the programme.
The Liangmei Cultural Club and Phom Traditional Dance Troupe also performed traditional items.
