Forgetting traditions leads to identity loss: Awangbow
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 12 2024: The Poumai Naga Tsiidoumai Me Imphal (PNTMI) celebrated its 47th Vedaoyu Niih (get-together) under the theme "Shaping Cultural Identity" at Catholic School, Canchipur on Saturday.

The annual event was attended by water resources minister Awangbow Newmai as the chief guest, alongside Manipur State Film & Television Institute (MSFTI) director Alexander Leo Pou as the guest of honour, and deputy secretary T Veio as the special guest.

The event saw participation from various Poumai community organisations, including representatives from SDSA, PNTM, PNUI, PNNMI, PNTMC, PNTMI, and PNTML, as well as the Poumai student community in Imphal.

In his address, Awangbow Newmai praised the Poumai Naga as a beautiful tribe, emphasising the importance of preserving historical heritage and staying connected to cultural roots.

He cautioned that forgetting one's traditions could lead to losing one's identity, urging the younger generation to balance progress with an understanding of their legacy.

Communities that fail to honour their traditions risk becoming refugees in their own land, he remarked.

Alexander Leo Pou echoed this sentiment, expressing pride in his cultural inheritance.

He emphasised the importance of preserving folk songs, folk tales, and other cultural artefacts, describing them as repositories of traditional knowledge.

He challenged the community to see these elements preserved in the state museum and archives, adding that safeguarding their history would help shape the community's cultural identity.

T Veio advised the younger generation to stay away from drugs and alcohol, encouraging them to explore diverse career paths rather than limiting their ambitions to becoming doctors or engineers.

He shared his personal experiences as the only member of the Pou-mai tribe in his department, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in different professions.

The second session featured vibrant performances by various guest artistes, including B Pavei James, B Rakovine, Ziikhu Titus Tyaletya, Th Elia, and Shovei Taleta.

The event also saw the crowning of Mr and Miss Fresher's 2023-24, and the best traditional costume awards, concluding with a grand feast.

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