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MP KG Kenye speaking during the Sükrünye mini hornbill festival at Phek town local ground on Wednesday.[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Phek, Jan. 16 (EMN): Lamenting over dissipation of the rich Naga cultural and traditional values of yore with the invasion of western culture, Rajya Sabha MP KG Kenye has termed the present generation as ‘most unproductive’ for failing to live up to the quality of their ancestors.
Speaking as the special guest on day-two at the ongoing Sükrünye mini Hornbill festival at Phek town local ground on January 16, Kenye called upon the gathering to ponder upon as to what contributions they are going to give for the coming generation.
“Yesteryears have done so much to us. But, sadly we (present generation) are only fighting among ourselves and have contributed absolutely nothing,” he remarked. Kenye went on to say that “we are self-centred, selfish,” adding “Posterity will look back at us and say we have done nothing.”
He urged the people to look forward for the progressive future and try their best to give back to the society.
Kenye also pointed out that tribalism is dividing the Naga society. He said the state has been divided into southern, central, eastern, which are all negativity. ‘Whatever, the present generation reap today is because of the efforts and hardworking of the forefathers, including the statehood, and we do not have the right to break that hard work as we like,’ Kenye said.
Speaking on the significance of observing the Sükrünye festival and the rich culture of the Nagas, Kenye said: “We are a world of our own. Nobody in the world will be as rich as us culturally.”
He said there are some of the most powerful countries without culture. He went on to say that because of dominance, there are fears of displaying one’s rich culture. He reminded to learn to preserve, promote, and practise those rich cultures.
Asserting that “culture defined our identity,” Kenye said that it is not only about festivities but had a much more meaning to it. He was optimistic that Naga society would progress when tourism sector in the state reaches to greater heights. He said tourism could transform into a revenue opportunity, and provide employment to the people.
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Lozaphuhu village cultural troupe performing traditional dance at Phek town local ground on January 16.[/caption]
Kenye also cautioned the gathering of modifying traditional attires, ornaments, and handicrafts. He urged the promoters of the culture to try maintaining its originality.
“The world is in search of origin. We are coming back to its roots,” MP observed. Stating that handicraft which have originality will be the one to sell, he implored upon the promoters to preserve orginality.
“Through traditional dances, folk songs, and traditional shows, one should be able to exhibit the good traits, good behaviour, and one’s way of life. When promoting the forefathers’ culture, one must also remember the humane qualities like honesty, upright, unity, as these cultures are eroding,” he added.
In the age of technology, Kenye remarked that “we paid the price of advancement” as the people have forgotten to carry along those good traits in the modern generation. In this regard, he said younger generation have the special responsibility to discharge those traits to the next generation.
“History cannot be altered no matter what whether it is good or bad,” he added.
In conclusion, Kenye encouraged the people to live in peace and unity.
Mikha Kenye, president of Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO), in his greetings, said the organisation will work with support and cooperation from the public. He urged to purify/ sanctify oneself through the celebration of Sükrünye festival.
President of the Chakhesang Mother’s Association (CMA), Zhonelu Tunyi, delivered the welcome address. Team Metamorphosis from Wokha and Lozaphuhu village cultural troupe made a special presentation.
MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu would grace the day-three of the Sükrünye mini Hornbill festival as the guest of honour.
It was also informed that a mini marathon for girls under 15 would be conducted under under ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.’
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In an effort to ban the use of plastic, Rajya Sabha MP, KG Kenye, launched the signature campaign under Swachh Bharat along with MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu during the Sükrünye mini hornbill festival on January 16 in Phek town.
The campaign was organised by the district administration and the Phek Town Council (PTC) under the deputy commissioner, Phek. The pledge reads: “I chose to reuse and say no to plastic.”
The campaign envisages a greener and safer environment. The campaign called upon all the public in Phek district to pledge against use of plastic and join hands to protect the environment.
The Phek Town Council became one of the first urban local bodies to ban ‘single use plastic’ in 2017. The government of Nagaland had also issued a notification to ban single use plastic including water bottle and styrofoam products in December 2018.
