NPF legislator Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu has expressed his utter dismay over usage of the term “Mini Hornbill” to coin tribal festivals.
Speaking on Day-3 of the ongoing Sükrünye 2019 Mini Hornbill Festival here on Thursday, Azo remarked that the term “Mini Hornbill” would camouflage the real meaning of tribal festivals.
“If we are to promote every tribal festival, we must promote them by their true nomenclature,” he emphasised. According to him, the term “Hornbill” used at the annual cultural extravaganza in Kohima was okay as it was a conglomeration of different tribal festivals. He, however, said usage of original nomenclature of the tribal festivals must be encouraged and, therefore, “Mini Hornbill” must be done away with.
He also stressed on the importance of keeping alive the traditions and culture and their preservation in this fast changing world.
While celebrating the joyous festival, Azo said Sükrünye was also meant to purify and sanctify oneself. He added that in the modern world, one had to sanctify in Christian way and improvise the culture and tradition that were being revived.
He remarked that certain culture and traditional practices should be kept alive, but noted that practices that were totally unacceptable in today’s society in the Christian world should be buried and forgotten.
Commenting on the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, the NPF MLA warned about the danger lurking around, if implementation of the Act was allowed.
“We can’t become second class citizens in our own land. We can’t allow some foreigners to come and control or rule us. I can’t allow that to happen to my people during my leadership,” he asserted.
While concluding his speech, Azo expressed his gratitude to all those involved for making the festival a success.
Speaking on the occasion, Chakhesang Youth Front president called upon the gathering to preserve and protect their culture and traditions.
“If our culture is lost, our roots are lost,” he pointed out, while urging the community to follow the resolutions adopted by Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) for society’s betterment and welfare.
Phek village cultural troupe and Leshemi village children (Uwhe) gave special presentations, while indigenous tool race and bamboo pole race competition and snail eating competition were held on the concluding.
Meanwhile, Phek deputy commissioner Orenthung Lotha attended the closing ceremony of the three-day festival as a valedictory guest. The festival was organised by the State government in collaboration with CPO.