KOHIMA — Member
of Nagaland Legislative Assembly (MLA) and chairman of Tseminyu district
planning and development board (DPDB), Jwenga Seb, has called upon the Rengma
community to uphold the good values and practices of their forefathers and
build a positive society.
Seb stated this during the Ngada-cum-mini Hornbill Festival
held at RSA Ground in Tseminyu town on Thursday. He said that forefathers are
honest, dedicated, work hard and never take things for free and lived in peace
and tranquility.
“But today, whatever has been preserved by our forefathers
is now endangered. People are living the opposite of those past values and
engaged in malpractices, corruption and cheating with ease. With this kind of
attitude, the society cannot progress,” he said.
He, therefore, called upon the people to adopt and
strengthen the good practices by forefathers in order to fully achieve the
meaning of Ngada festival.
The legislator further added that Ngada festival should
become a tourism attraction. He said tourists do not come here to see us
imitating their culture but to see the age old traditions, practices and
heritage.
The chairman of NIDC, Kvulo Lorin, said the festival is a
time to remove negativity stating that thinking negatively would not to take
the community forward.
He added that Ngada festival is a time for unity,
celebration and to be thankful. He said it is a time to think different and
think global and called upon the gathering to solve the differences within the
community and be united.
The president Rengma Hoho, Tesinlo Semy, while highlighting
the significance of Ngada festival, said it is not just a cultural event but a
reflection of heritage, values and collective identity as a Rengma.
He added that Ngada marked the culmination of harvest season
and a festival deeply rooted in agriculture -- a celebration of life and an
opportunity to strengthen bonds within the community.
Timothy Thong, vice president of Rengma Hoho, underlined
that the gathering was to acknowledge the roots and to rejoice in the rich
cultural tapestry that makes them who they are.
“Ngada festival is more than just a celebration. It is a
testament of resilience, unity and unwavering commitment to the customs,” Thong
said.
The presidents of Tenyimi Union Nagaland and Pochury Hoho
also addressed the gathering. The formal programme was followed by cultural
presentation from various groups and unions.
Earlier, Chentsenga Chung heralded the Ngada festival, while
Kehoyi Kez presented a traditional flute rendition and Rev. Fr. Jose Lukose,
principal of Don Bosco School, Tseminyu, said a prayer for Ngada feast.
