The Razeba Public Organisation, Kohima, held its 25th general session with Minister KG Kenye highlighting cultural values.
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DIMAPUR — The Razeba Public Organisation Kohima (RPOK) held its 25th general session on the theme "Empowering community progress" at the RPOK Hall in Kohima on March 28.
The event was attended by Minister of Power and Parliamentary Affairs KG Kenye as the special guest, according to an update.
During the session, Kenye highlighted the growing moral and cultural challenges confronting Naga society today.
He observed that traditional Naga communities were once rooted in strong communal bonds, mutual support, and shared responsibility. However, modernisation and changing social priorities have gradually shifted attention from community welfare to personal gain. While progress and education have opened new opportunities, he warned that excessive self-centredness risks weakening the spirit of unity that once defined Naga identity.
Equally alarming, according to Kenye, is the decline in cultural, moral, and ethical values. Customs, traditions, and indigenous practices that previously guided social conduct are slowly fading from everyday life.
Younger generations, influenced by rapid globalisation and modern lifestyles, often grow disconnected from ancestral wisdom and community discipline. He stated that culture is not merely ceremonial heritage but a living framework that shapes character, respect, and social harmony.
He also addressed the gradual disappearance of traditional taboos. In earlier times, taboos functioned as informal social laws that preserved respect for elders, nature, community relationships, and moral boundaries. Though some taboos may appear outdated in a modern context, Kenye argued that their underlying purpose was to maintain order, responsibility, and ethical behaviour. Their neglect, he suggested, reflects a broader moral transition that society must carefully evaluate.
Neingulie Krome, Joint Secretary of Minority Affairs, exhorted the gathering, focusing on practical steps toward strengthening community resilience and youth empowerment.
Krome underscored the importance of language as the foundation of identity. He stressed that language carries history and cultural memory, and losing one’s mother tongue ultimately weakens community identity.
He urged families and community organisations to actively promote indigenous languages through daily use, documentation, and inclusion in educational and cultural activities. Preserving language, he noted, is essential for preserving identity, dignity, and continuity among future generations.
Danyi Rhi, RPOK President, stated in his presidential address that the RPOK 25th general session marked a significant milestone. He thanked the pioneers for their visionary contribution towards the organisation. He also said RPOK should reflect on challenges and look towards the future with optimism in building unity and prosperity.
Meanwhile, the nomination committee announced the new team of RPOK office bearers for the tenure 2026-2028.
The team includes President Daniel Domeh, Vice-President Davi Venuh, General Secretary Dr. Thebi Shupao, Joint Secretary Vipulu Domeh, Finance Secretary Vikho Domeh, Treasurer Rhiivi Abel Shupao, Statistical Secretary Vipulu Lea, Cultural Secretary Potokho Rume, Publicity Secretary Molilii Nukhu, and advisors Neikhwezii Venuh, Danyi Rhi, and Dezii Domeh.
The office bearers of Razeba Women Society Kohima for the tenure 2026-27 were also declared, with Kholur Pohena as its president. Rev. Vikuo Rhi, pastor of CBCK, pronounced the act of blessing upon the new team of office bearers.