Zhaleo stresses on importance of tracing one’s roots

Kohima, Jan. 29 (EMN): Advisor of Sericulture, Excise and Minority Affairs, Zhaleo Rio, has stressed on the importance of knowing one’s roots for a greater understanding, fostering unity and embracing one's unique cultural values and traditions.

Rio stated this in his address while speaking at the declaration of ancestral lineage between the Rio and Kense clan of Tuophema village, which was held at Tuophezou Dahou in Kohima district on January 29.

An update from the organisation stated that the two clans, after an intensive research by the elders, the ancestral lineage between the clans was validated, who descended from the same genealogy.

Gracing the occasion, Rio shared the importance of knowing one’s roots for a greater understanding, fostering unity and embracing one’s unique cultural values and traditions.

Asserting the dying culture of reading habits, curiosity in learning one’s roots among the younger generations with the invasion of technology, Rio urged the younger generations to learn about their roots and have a sense of pride from where one comes from.

The advisor also stressed on the need to translate the rich oral history in the form of books to enable the young generations to have a better understanding of their ancestral roots.

He also implored on the importance of knowing and speaking in one’s own dialect, which he noted, is dwindling among the people.

Rio maintained that knowing and speaking in one’s own dialect would help connect with one another and also promote a better understanding of their history and upbringing. He, further, advised the parents and elders to teach and speak to their children in one’s own local dialect.

Earlier, the blessings were pronounced by Keviza Kense and Khrünyü-o Rio, while the history of ancestral lineage was shared by Salie-o Kense.