Zomi National Day celebrated with cultural extravaganza
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, February 20 2012:
The 64th Zomi National Day was celebrated at Bhagyachandra Open Air Theatre (Boat) with colourful cultural events of traditional dances performed by various cultural troupes from different parts of the State.
The function was organised by Zomi Students' Federation, General Head Quarters.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister O Ibobi, who attended the celebration as Chief Guest, exhorted that we are one and we should work towards promotion of cultural heritage handed over the generations by our forefathers.
This way we would let peace be prevailed and love flourished in Manipur.
He also lauded the efforts of Zomi people towards keeping their culture and heritage intact from the onslaught of western culture and other influences from outside.
Manipuri people both in the hills and the plains should live together peacefully and forget all the past differences, he added.
President of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) Gaikhangam presided over the celebration which was also attended by Minister of Power/ Horticulture and Science and Technology Phungzathang Tonsing, MLAs, ADC Chairmen and members as Guests of Honour.
Earlier, delivering the key note address, LB Sona, Chairman, Zomi Council informed that the 2012 edition of the State level Zomi National Day celebration is also being celebrated in different towns and cities of the world like Singapore, Kualalumpur, Tokyo, Wangshiton DC, London, Vancouver (Canada), Chiangmai, Kalemyui, Mandalay, Tedim, Yangoon, Delhi, Shillong, Chennai, Bangalore, etc.
He said that Zomis, like many other communities want peace and development and added that the community aspires to develop in accordance to their genius and intellect.
Zomis of this State too dream of a "glowing Manipur", but this dream could be realized only when all the 38 recognized tribes living in the State learn to understand and appreciate each other's unique culture, custom, tradition, past history and aspiration, LB Sona said.
He also reminded the gathering that Zomi Youths' Association submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister O Ibobi pressing the State Government to declare February 20 as a State holiday officially.
Noted folk singer, Guru Rewben Mashangva, members of Zomi Artistes' Association and many other singers from Mizoram presented songs during the celebration which also witnessed presentation of Hmar cultural dance, Kabui cultural dance, Mizo cultural dance, Thadou cultural dance, Tangkhul cultural dance and Zomi cultural dance.