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Dimapur, Jan. 9 (EMN): State-level Gaan Ngai-cum-Rongmei Day was celebrated on Monday on the theme ‘Let’s celebrate the festival of harvest’, organised by Rongmei Council Nagaland (RCN) at Chungaizaeng Rongmei colony, Burma Camp, Dimapur.
Addressing the festive occasion as special guest, Advisor, department of Power, H Tovihoto Ayemi, said he is happy to learn that people from different districts have come to celebrate together.
Ayemi appreciated the RCN for extending invitation to all the tribes to be part of the celebration and said this is how Nagas should promote one another, unite as brothers, encourage one another and even though they may be from different tribes, they should remain as one (Naga).
‘It is very encouraging to see different tribe coming together and being part of this celebration and this shows their oneness and it also shows concern for one another,’ he said.
Ayemi said though Nagas are a small community but they are unique and different in their own ways with different tribes having their own distinct culture, tradition, dialects and custom.
The advisor also said Dimapur district is unique in its own way as whereas other districts in Nagaland are dominated by a particular tribe, Dimapur has all communities and tribes and therefore is more like a mini Nagaland within Nagaland.
Ayemi said though the Rongmei tribe is a minority indigenous tribe in Nagaland, but it is a Naga tribe and urged the major tribes to support and help the minor tribe. He also exhorted the Rongmei people to cooperate with the major tribes as “it is time to unite and move forward.”
The advisor claimed that under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, development is in full swing and that one can see the transformation in the state
Even the central government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is giving extra focus to Northeastern states and Nagaland is also not left behind, Ayemi said.
He also shared that the aspiration of the Naga people for an early solution is always there and that the state government, as facilitator, is putting all efforts towards the same.
On ENPO’s demand of separate state, Ayemi said that if the Government of India agreed to their demand, it would be “good news for everyone.”
However, there is a constitutional provision, and since eastern Nagaland people are also bound the Constitution of India, they have to participate in the election when it is announced, he added
Ayemi also expressed concern that the younger generation was slowly and gradually forgetting their custom, culture and tradition and so organising such festivals would motivate and encourage the young generation to keep alive their tradition and identity.
Earlier, welcome address and significance of Gaan Ngai-cum-Rongmei Day was delivered by convener of organising committee, Mathew Rongmei and vote of thanks were delivered by secretary of organising committee, Kidongam Panmei
The inaugural programme was followed by display of traditional games and sports and Gaan Ngai extravaganza.