Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 27:
The 2005 Kuki International Forum (KIF) Annual Meeting cum Chavang Kut celebration wrapped up in Laurel, a suburb of Washington, DC.
Stating that the event, which brought the Kuki people together, is a moment of merrymaking and cultural importance, a statement issued by Kuki International Forum conveyed of friends and families across the United States of America having converged at the venue for the two day event.
The entire programme was organised by the Kuki International Forum and hosted by Pu Paolen�s family.
The programme was moderated in two sessions - the first part largely captured speeches and unfolding the spirit of �KUT� wherein participants were immensely mesmerized and enthralled by Dr Chong Singsit�s PowerPoint presentation on �Science and the Bible� and the Kut Pa�s (Chief Guest) detailed elaboration on the essence of the festival.
The session was also addressed by Vice-Chairman of the Chin National Front and President of the North American Manipuri Association.
The later part was a combination of House Warming for the host family and other entertainments, it added.
Dr T Lunkim, who was Kut PA, said, �It is a misnomer to call the Suh-Tah Dance as �Bamboo Dance,� clarifying that the dance used to be performed by Kuki men warriors as a screening test before going to war.
Anyone trapped or hurt during the dance was disqualified from going to the battle�.
Taking a dig at changing trend the chief guest expressed concern at present generation abandoning the true meaning of Kut by encouraging beauty contest.
Kut was the time when village businesses were discussed for the year, added the chief guest.
A two minute silence was observed in remembrance of late Dr Vumson.
The annual meeting of the KIF was held on November 25 morning.
The Forum leadership evaluated its bygone activities to chart out future course of action.
A wide range of issues were deliberated to further the forum�s objectives and goals.
Forum's new leadership for the year 2006-2007 was also elected on the occasion.
In the afternoon, amidst chilly weather, a group of Kutters headed for sight seeing in the heart of DC.
Few popular sites such as Capitol Hill, Washington Monument and White House were visited.