Naga National Council (NNC), which was formed on February 2, 1946 celebrated its 75th anniversary at Peace Camp, Chedema on Tuesday.
In her address, NNC president Adinno Phizo called on the people to know their history, embrace their heritage and be ambassadors of the nation.
Extending anniversary greetings to the people, she also paid tribute to all patriots who had sacrificed everything in defence of “our country” and honoured them with a pledge not to let their sacrifices go in vain.
She attributed the nation’s survival to God and thanked Him for His faithfulness, unfailing love and grace.
“All Nagas are NNC members and every newborn Naga becomes NNC by birth. Let us be thankful and proud that the Naga nation is growing stronger with the passage of time in spite of many setbacks caused by India all these years,” Adinno remarked.
She observed that in the past 75 years as a nation, Nagas had faced different challenges and experienced pain, untold suffering and sadness in the hands of “our enemy”.
Mentioning that there were groups thriving on lies and deceit depriving Naga society of the culture of independence, Adinno urged the people not to be discouraged by dissension in “our national affairs” under India’s occupation of “our country”.
She stressed the importance of keeping the age -old culture of honesty by earning one’s bread with the sweat of one’s brows which, she said, would earn respect and also God’s favour and become the basis for “our future”.
The NNC president further called on the younger generation to respect their culture while remembering their mother tongue and never forget the sacrifices made by their forefathers.
She cautioned them to stay away from gifts that they have not earned and always be aware of divisive plans to divide “our country”.
Adinno later unveiled the jubilee souvenir and handed out medals and certificates to former executives, members and individuals who performed “extraordinarily” in various fields. (Full speech on Page 6)
Earlier, the programme was chaired by planning committee convenor Lhouvitsü, while Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho and Rev Savito Nagi pronounced the opening and closing prayers respectively.
FGN kedahge (retd) Viyalie Metha and Naga Women Federation vice-president Tiyongmenla extended jubilee greetings, even as Pfüchama village GB Lhouchato Paphino gave a short speech.
Sanctuary Choir and Joyous Messengers made special presentations, while 75 young men and women in traditional attires performed a traditional song to commemorate the occasion.