Porbami Youth Organisation holds its 12th Cultural Session on the theme ‘My culture, my identity.’
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DIMAPUR — The Porbami Youth Organisation (PYO) held its 12th Cultural Session on the theme ‘My culture, my identity’ on December 17, hosted by Basapu Zo Sporting Club (BZSC) at its recreational ground.
In a press release, the PYO stated that the event was attended by Neingulie Krome, Joint Secretary of Minority Affairs, as the guest speaker, and Ciekrohü Chiero, Porba Village Council chairman, as guest of honour.
In his address, Neingulie Krome emphasised that the bond of brotherhood from the olden days should be strengthened, adding that the honour he received was not due to his status, but because of the brotherhood between his native village, Zelome, and Porba.
Speaking on the theme 'My culture, my identity,' he expressed that the programme committee had chosen a very relevant topic, as today's young generation is fast losing its culture and identity.
He defined culture as the “Language we speak, the beliefs we hold unto and the way of life we live.”
He pointed out that in the olden days, there were no roads, no radio or TV, no phones or mobiles, and no vehicles – communication and technology were nil. Yet, people had virtues like honesty, sincerity, hard work, and dedication that today's generation lacks, despite having all the tech.
Krome thanked the elders for preserving these values and urged the youth to adopt them, rather than foreign cultures that promote easy money and negativity.
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He noted that one's mother tongue is the fundamental aspect of who they are, and said that without knowing their own mother tongue, people lose their identity, even if they know many foreign languages.
He stressed this point by citing examples of Latin Americans, South Indian Tamils, and neighbouring Manipuris who give much importance to their own language.
The guest speaker went on to state that modern popular culture, especially among youths, is heavily influenced by social media, leading to the idolisation of Western, Korean, and Japanese cultures.
Instead, he urged youths to promote their own culture through folklores, stories, dances, and songs.
Krome further encouraged the youths to discover themselves in this sophisticated world and become torch-bearers by living out good virtues and keeping their culture alive.
PYO president Vecuru Dzudo, who also delivered a short speech, said that observing culture and identity was crucial, elaborating on how villages built friendships during the head-hunting period and supported each other in tough times.
He particularly highlighted the brotherhood between Zelome and Porba villages, whose amity was legendary and had become a story passed down generations.
Earlier, Krome hoisted the organisation's flag. The programme was chaired by Kuthovo Vadeo, finance secretary of PYO. The organisation also paid obituary homage to youths who passed away.
The president of PYO delivered the welcome address and acknowledged the guests. The hosting khel and the guest team from Zelome village put up special performances.
In the afternoon, the four village khels competed in folk dance, tug of war, war cry, and folk songs.