Tenyimia Union Mokokchung holds 58th commemoration day at DIET Ground after 18 years.
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YIMYU — The Tenyimia Union Mokokchung (TUM) marked its 58th commemoration day on Friday at the DIET Ground, Yimyu, Mokokchung bringing together members of the Tenyimia community representing 10 tribes.
The gathering was significant as it was the first collective meet after 18 years, the last such congregation having been held in 2008.
Addressing the programme as special guest, SP Mokokchung Vesupra Kezo expressed gratitude to the TUM for the invitation and said he felt honoured to be part of a gathering of his own people.
He reflected on the shared history of the Tenyimia people, tracing their origin to Makhel, and emphasised that the legacy of ‘Tenyi’ is not only historical but continues to shape their identity today.
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Kezo acknowledged the role of forefathers in preserving unity through generations and paid tribute to former executives and members of TUM for their contribution towards the welfare of the community.
He noted that history is preserved not only in written records but also through oral traditions, folklores and folk songs passed down within families.
Recalling traditional narratives, he spoke about the dispersion of the Tenyimia brothers from Makhel under a wild pear tree, which still stands at Shajouba near Makhel as a symbol of shared ancestry.
He said that today the descendants of Tenyi comprise ten tribes: Angami, Chakhesang, Zeliangrong, Pochury, Rengma, Mao, Maram, Poumai, Inpui and Thangal spread across Nagaland, Manipur and Assam, united by common lineage despite geographical and administrative divisions.
Highlighting the values associated with the Tenyimia people, the special guest said unity, honesty, simplicity, leadership and fear of God have defined the community over generations.
He pointed out the similarities shared across the tribes in customs, festivals, folk songs, respect for elders, food habits and community life, and described Tenyimia as a homogeneous community, politically divided but culturally united.
Kezo also expressed appreciation to the Ao community for providing a harmonious environment for Tenyimia people living in Mokokchung, and urged members to act as ambassadors of their community through humility and integrity.
Calling upon the younger generation, he stressed the responsibility of carrying forward the legacy with dignity and mutual respect.
The programme concluded with a collective prayer for unity and guidance, and a shared hope that the Tenyimia people would one day journey together to Makhel as a symbol of renewed bonding.
The TUM informed that the commemoration day will be observed annually, while a major get-together will be organised once every tenure, similar to an advance Christmas gathering, which falls within the two-year tenure period of the union.
The programme began with an invocation by pastor Teyalo Seb of Tenyimi Church Mokokchung, followed by a welcome address delivered by Dr. Neizo Puro, president, TUM.
The session was chaired by Dr. Viheno Iralu, Assistant Professor, NU Lumami.
A brief report on the members of the union was presented by Thekho Weyirkhu, general secretary, TUM, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Ruokuosietuo Dzivüchü, vice president, TUM.
The programme concluded with mass prayer led by pastor Sevtoso Vero of Chakhesang Baptist Church, Mokokchung.
As part of the day’s schedule, sports and recreational events, including football, volleyball and tug-of-war were included. A community feast was held in the afternoon.