To promote and preserve the culture and traditions, the department of Higher Education has made it mandatory for all government colleges to form a cultural club and organise cultural day.
This was revealed by Kohima Science College (KSC) principal, Lily Sema, while addressing the first cultural day on the theme “Reviviscence” at KSC auditorium on Thursday.
She also said that with the initiative of Temjen Imna Along, minister of Higher and Technical Education and Tribal Affairs, it was decided that all government colleges will wear traditional attires on every Wednesday.
The move of the government was to preserve and allow the students stay connected to their roots, the principal added.
Speaking on the theme, principal secretary Power and IT, KD Vizo, reminded the younger generations on the importance of reviving the culture by citing example of Japan, which had embraced modernity and at the same time preserved their traditions and culture.
He therefore called upon the youngsters to give time to their family, friends and practice the good habits of their fore fathers instead of spending their time on smart phones and TVs.
Vizo also said that some parents were not teaching their own native language to their children with a fear that “local language will pollute their ability to learn English”. He however, reminded the parents that researcher around the world, had found out that people, who understand and speak their language were able to speak better English. He also called for promotion of local languages among the young people in every possible ways.
He further said that parents should be proud of the culture and teach the children to value it instead of feeling inferior about it.
Viliebeinuo Medom also spoke on the theme. Highlights of the programme included unity dance, tug-of-war, go-karting, bamboo gun shooting, bamboo stick walking, book sales, etc.
A fusion song was presented by Otto Yepto and friends followed by a play on traditional folktale by department of English. Kereibeinuo also presented the melodious “Ara Kizivi” composed by J. B Jasokie.
The programme was chaired by English assistant professor Seyiekhrielie whiso.