S Supongmeren Jamir urged the Ao community to restore the spiritual essence of Tsungremmong, strengthen the Clean Election movement, and promote honest leadership during the festival in Mokokchung.
Ao Senden hosts Tsungremmong at Imkongmeren Sports Complex
MOKOKCHUNG — Lok Sabha MP S Supongmeren Jamir on Saturday called on the Ao community to rediscover the true spiritual essence of Tsungremmong, urging people to seek God's blessings for righteous leadership and societal transformation rather than reducing the festival to a mere occasion for celebration.
Addressing the Tsungremmong festival at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung, as the special guest, Jamir said the premier festival of the Ao Nagas was observed by the ancestors during the harvest season with gratitude and humility before God.
"If we celebrate Tsungremmong just for worldly pleasure than for its true significance, this observance will have no meaning," he said.
"During such celebrations we should humble ourselves and ask God to bless us with good leaders, good political leaders and good countrymen. Only then does Tsungremmong become a blessed celebration," he added.
Referring to the origin of the festival, Jamir said the ancestors, Tsüngremsang and Merangsang, shared their abundant blessings by observing Gena and Tsungremmong without withholding anything from one another.
"Like our ancestors Tsüngremsang and Merangsang shared, it would be a shame on our part if we cannot come together today to contribute towards transforming our society into a progressive and vibrant one," he remarked.
The Lok Sabha MP also spoke on the Clean Election initiative spearheaded by the Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM), observing that although the campaign had received public support and white flags were displayed in many homes, its message had not been embraced wholeheartedly.
Emphasising that the initiative was not directed against any individual, Jamir said its objective was to elect honest and upright leaders in keeping with the values of the ancestors.
He expressed concern over the money spent and controversies surrounding even the appointment of Village Development Board secretaries and disputes in the selection of village council members, saying such trends undermine good leadership and social stability.
"God may give us the privilege to lead, but we have thrown away His blessings and buried ourselves," he said.
Jamir said the present condition of society was the result of failing to walk in God's will and forgetting the truth handed down by the ancestors. Calling on the Ao community to uproot these "evil roots," he urged people to pray for divine guidance and blessings.
Acknowledging the historical contributions of the Ao community to the Naga cause, Jamir said the Ao tribe was "sick" today because it had failed to follow God's will and build a strong foundation.
He also appealed for reforms in the process of electing MLAs and called for a grassroots movement to promote "elector responsibility" and ensure the election of honest and capable leaders.
On development, Jamir said there was a common perception that development in Nagaland was concentrated elsewhere, but stressed that the people must also introspect.
"We should find out what is causing development works not to come to Mokokchung. If we cannot do what has been given to us, we should not blame others," he said.
The Tsungremmong festival was organised by Ao Senden.
Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner Ajit Kumar Verma, in his address, highlighted the festival's importance in preserving the cultural heritage of the Ao community and strengthening unity.
He urged young people to balance their cultural identity with modern aspirations and said the future of Mokokchung would depend on their choices, encouraging them to embrace discipline, learning and service.
Verma also called on the youth to actively participate in the district's development by working alongside civil society organisations, churches, educational institutions, village councils and other stakeholders.
Referring to the recent floods and landslides that affected parts of the district, including the Tuli area, he acknowledged the resilience of the community and reaffirmed the district administration's commitment to supporting affected families.
Ao Senden president Marsanen Imsong delivered the welcome address, while Khensa Village Council chairman I Alemmeren Longchar spoke on the significance of Tsungremmong.
The programme featured cultural performances by Watsü Mungdang and Ao Youth Telongjem, a Yar Tsüngsang presentation by Watemdong Cultural Club, Ungma, and a tug-of-war competition.