Power & Parliamentary Affairs minister KG Kenye has called upon Nagas to uphold the good qualities that had been passed on to them by their forefathers.
Speaking as a special guest at a function held to celebrate the Ngada festival at RSA ground, Tseminyu, on Tuesday, Kenye observed that the Nagas were known for being brave, honest, hardworking and hospitable, as per the accounts given by foreign visitors in the past.
“We followed true democracy. Our rules and judgments were simple but based on equality, integrity and majority. We were proud of our culture,” he pointed out.
He claimed that when they came into contact with foreigners, their culture, and personal and societal behaviour were considered Christian-like even before they embraced Christianity.
Kenye lamented that these qualities were gradually depleting even as people were moving on to modernity. He wondered what kind of people Nagas would be if they gave up the very qualities that they were known for.
He noted that the transition to modernity of the Nagas was “too abrupt”, which the people were finding it hard to keep up with the pace.
“Our character, habits, attitude, outlook and, most importantly, our morality are changing at a very quick pace. Our good qualities are eroding but we should try and rebuild it,” he stressed.
He also voiced his concern that the Nagas were spending too much time on politics and everyone was chasing for solution, even though they did not know when the solution would be reached.
He suggested that the Nagas of Nagaland should hold on to any solution and continue to fight for what they actually aspire.
Regarding cultural practices, the minister asserted that the Nagas were second to none and that he was proud to belong to a group of people who had rich traditional practices, some of the best ornaments with intricate designs and unique garments among all the ethnic groups of the world.
Representatives of Central Naga Tribes Council (CNTC), Tenyimi Union Nagaland (TUN), Angami Public Organisation (APO), Lotha Hoho and Sumi Hoho extended Ngada greetings too. Host Ar Jwenga Seb spoke about the significance of the festival on the occasion.
The programme was chaired by Ngada Organising Committee member secretary Akhu Kath, invocation was pronounced by CRBC executive secretary Rev Haiwalo Apon.
The welcome address was delivered by Rengma Hoho president Tesinlo Semy, while power point presentation and pledge on Tseminyu district green initiatives was administered by TDGI member secretary Ruchinilo Kemp.
A special number was presented on the occasion by The Willing Souls, vote of thanks was proposed by Rengma Officers’ Forum president Chengato Kath and prayer for Ngada feast was offered by Pheshunyu Baptist Church pastor Rev Isaac Kesen. The festival was marked by cultural dances and traditional performances from the seven ranges of Rengma tribe.