Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network
Kohima, December 17 2008:
Chairman of the Media Cell, Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee, R.Paphino today regretted that bloodshed, extortion, kidnapping, intimidation, abduction and rape have become the order of the day in the present Naga generation.
Speaking as the chief guest during the inaugural programme of the day-long 'Folk Shindig' organised by the Western Angami Students Union (WASU) to celebrate culture and music at Kohima local ground, Paphino said there has been a kind of cultural invasion and cultural degradation in the Naga society.
He, therefore opined that the only solution to overcome it is to go back to our roots, which is the Naga villages.
"Our roots are dying so let us re-think and maintain our identity," he said while recalling that there used to be no bad feeling as true sense of peace and tranquility prevailed during Naga head-hunting days.
Lauding the student union for initiating such cultural programs the chief guest said that it is through culture that other people know 'our identity' and encouraged to re-think and maintain one's own identity.
He also emphasized on the need to preserve the Naga tradition and culture stating that Naga tradition is not a borrowed culture but it has been passed on to the present generation by the forefathers.
Regretting that the present generation of Nagas are fast in picking the Western and Hindi but they are ignorant of their own folk songs and dances, he appealed that more such programmes should be organised in order to create cultural awareness amongst the youngsters.
Delivering the key-note address, Mhiesizokho Ziny� in this world, one has to live with religion and culture side by side.
Religion is about after life or preparing for it but culture is a way of life to live in peace and harmony to glorify God.
The programme was chaired by Vithepfulie Kehie while WASU president, Zhavisier Casavi tendered the welcome address and Vikepelhou Meyase tendered the vote of thanks A sequence of cultural cynosure basing on the season of the lunar calendar on the Tenyimia culture shown during the day time by different cultural troupes while the programme concluded with a concert featuring Neise Meruno, Kethoser Kevichusa, Asalie Peseyie, Toshinaro (Naga Idol 2008), Rokuovotuo (Naga Idol 2007) and Kenei (Naga Idol finalist), XTC band and OFF.