An event on promoting cultural exchange “Journey to the roots of culture” organised by National Foundation for India co-funded by European Union was held at Hotel 2k, conference hall on September 19.
Addressing the gathering as special guest, Development Commissioner, Planning Transformation department, R. Ramakrishnan stressed on the rich cultural diversity and heritage, which has the potential to shape a brighter, inclusive and more sustainable future for everyone that can ultimately contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He also mentioned some of the key goals aligned through promoting cultural activities such as fostering wisdom and knowledge-sharing that will enable a broader perspective and profound understanding of different cultures, languages, and traditions, fostering tolerance, appreciation of diversity and intercultural competence in addressing SDG 4.
With support from NITI Aayog and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), as well as implementing line departments, district administration and communities within the state, Nagaland has taken various initiatives to localize the SDGs across the state focusing on capacity building and aligning the SDs to the priorities of the State, he said.
He therefore encouraged everyone to reach out to SD team led by the SDG State Nodal Officer of the SDG Coordination Centre (SDGCC).
Special invitee Naga Mothers Association president, Vilanuo Angela Yhome in her speech mentioned that culture and traditions was not only the traditional attire or folk song, but to know the meaning of the culture, traditional dresses and accessories.
She said wearing traditional attire or necklaces or singing folk song was not about knowing culture and our traditions but one should know the meaning of what they were wearing as those were something which cannot be learnt from school, college but from home.
Mentioning that parents were the first teachers and should not be forgotten, Vilanuo stressed on the importance of the mother tongue as it defines the real identity, culture and tradition.
Kohima Educational Society, Dr.P.Ngully spoke on the “bridging the generation gap”.
The program was hosted by Ark Foundation.