Staff Reporter
Dimapur, August 1
Nagaland today clearly depicts the ‘Tower of Bebel’ blinded by tribalism, prejudice and jealousy creating disharmony among the people, said Odisha Governor SC Jamir.
“Nagas instead of cultivating unity, harmony and goodwill among the people have multiplied the problems of groupism and tribalism which act as the greatest barrier for peaceful co-existence,” Jamir stated while addressing the Tsungremmong festival of Ao community at Diphupar today.
Explaining that culture is the lifeline of the society, Jamir noted that that the Naga society cannot survive without our traditional culture which is passed on from generation to generation. The former Nagaland chief minister also pointed out that ‘talking only about the past will not march our society for a better tomorrow.’
He said the greatest challenge being faced by the Naga society is the diversity of language on various political, social and economic issues.
Describing the politics of Nagaland as ‘blind folded politics with no vision’, Jamir advised the politicians not to be too emotional and sensitive towards the changes seen in the society.
He also highlighted that materialism has completely destroyed the Naga society and added that the brave, honest and hardworking people who are considered the sole identity of our forefathers are no longer existent in the present Naga society.
Speaking on the theme ‘Redefining cultural identify’, Jamir said, “Our society can be redefined by reviving Naga courage and the feeling of oneness among the people while sinking ones narrow living and ‘ism’ issues.”
He said the first step of redefining Naga culture is to heed the advice of the elders who have experienced both the past and present life and who through their experiences are in a position to judge, evaluate, analyze, comment and assess the merits and demerits of past and future while visualizing the cultural roadmap for the people of Nagaland.
Citing examples of Hollywood and Bollywood style of living, Jamir said one should not mind eating in roadside or star hotels as long as one stays away from idleness and devote time to work instead of running after easy money.
“The culture I dream of to be a part of every Naga should be a new culture of values, ethics, courage, hard work, tolerance, concern and compassion but the irony is that the Nagas have lost their courage and conviction to raise their voice against rampant corruption.” Jamir stated.
PWD (R&B) Minister Kuzholuzo (Azo) Neinu, who was the guest of honour on the occasion, said the celebration of the festival conveyed the message that every individual should think about development and should protect and achieve one’s own interest by not disturbing other’s interest and peaceful living. He also noted that the dream of Nagaland becoming a peaceful society will only be fulfilled if ‘culture’ is kept alive while respecting each other in order to live as one community.
Parliamentary Secretary for Law and Justice N. Jacob Zhimomi speaking to the Ao tribe gathered said God has positioned the Ao Nagas differently amongst all tribes while expressing that the Ao Nagas should lead the rest of the Nagas in bringing peace and harmony for a perfect society. He also urged all the youth of the new generation to look beyond government sector for employment and job.
NEZCC director Lipokmar Tzudir also spoke on the occasion.
Hundreds of Ao Naga tribes dressed in their colourful traditional attire witnessed the celebration held at NEZCC ground at Diphupar. The celebration was organized by Ao Youth Forum Diphupar (AYFD). Various cultural folklores were performed by various Ao groups during the festival while Chakhesang Zuve Cultural club and Diphupar Sumi Kiphimi Kuqhakulu presented special traditional events. The celebration concluded with tug-of-war.
