Nagas urged to revive cultural values

Minister for Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Economics & Statistics, Government of Manipur, Francis Ngajokpa (Maram tribe), while lamenting on the loss of cultural values among young people in the Naga society, has called upon the Naga youth to rejuvenate the valued age-old cultural heritage for overall development in the Naga society.
Francis said this in his address to thousand congregations on the last day of the 5-day Nagaland Catholic youth Movement (NCYM) convention cum silver jubilee held at Mary help of Christians Cathedral, Kohima, as the chief guest on Sunday afternoon.
Speaking on the theme “Sermon on the Mount” (Matt. 5:8), Ngajokpa challenged the believers to stand and live on the principles commanded by our Lord Jesus. Citing his life testimony as a Christian, Francis shared how he overcome the bribe offer by others in terms of crores and how he reacted when his daughter was killed demanded for ransom in 2003 . He challenged the Catholic brethren and Christian to stand on Christ’s principles and live a righteous life even in public life as a leader even in the face of threats. He appealed to all Catholics to lead a just, righteous and faithful life and be an example to others.
Earlier, in the morning service an Ecumenical Meet was held where representatives from different denominations including Baptist, NCRC, Hindu and Catholic took part where they shared about their faith and also participated in the interaction session.
Bishop of Kohima and chief patron NCYM, Rev. Dr. James Thoppil was the main celebrant of the jubilee mass.
The new NCYM office bearers for the tenure 2015-2018 were blessed and commissioned with Regina Razousinuo as president, Modochuo Martin Chadi as vice president, L Hievinu Olivia Richa as general secretary, Sekhotso Samuel as joint secreatry, Kekhrieneinuo Catherine Zumvü as treasurer, Regina Kithan as spokesperson, Zeneikho Benedict as representative to NERYC (M) and Limasangla Jamir as representative to NERYC (F).
The highlights of the programme included special number by the Mary Help of Christian Cathedral Parish choir and quartet competition winners Mary Help of Christian Cathedral Parish and an inspiring and captivating testimony from Mario Joseph
Felicitation programme was held for the chief guest, Bishop, former office bearers of the NCYM and Sister Lidia, Superior of Little Flower Convent.
Later, DIGP (HQ), Nagaland Police, K Elias Lotha graced the closing ceremony “Variety Evening” as the guest of honour.
Various delegates presented dances, songs, and other items to warm up the convention, which also kept most of the spectators on their feet. Thousand delegates from various parts of the districts and also from Guwahati and Arunachal Pradesh have participated in the silver jubilee celebration programme.