The Rengma Community Padumpukhuri on Tuesday commemorated its silver jubilee celebration and Ngada Festival, at local ground, Padumpukhuri, with advisor, Industries and Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu, as the special guest, and G Rengma (Rtd DIG), as the Ngada chief.
Addressing the gathering, Jakhalu focused on the theme of unity and vision, emphasizing the importance of commemorating the community’s achievements while also looking ahead to the future.
She highlighted the significance of setting targets for the future, stressing the need for a vision that extends to the golden jubilee celebration and urged the community members to envision a prosperous future.
Acknowledging the pivotal role of the young generation, Jakhalu emphasized on nurturing of children, stating that, “Our children are our future”. She underscored the idea that the vision set for the community would be carried forward by the younger generation, making it crucial to instil a sense of pride and connection to their roots.
Jakhalu also expressed concern about potential disconnection from cultural roots and placed the responsibility on parents to ensure that children remember and appreciate their heritage.
She also called for a sense of pride and patriotism, encouraging leaders to come together for the greater good. In a call for unity, she cited the example of the Rengma community, expressing hope that it could serve as proof that unity can lead to significant achievements and urged community members not to think small and emphasized on the strength that comes from working together toward larger goals.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Mehimo Apon & Dr. Jichule Seb, invocation and scripture reading by pastor RBCP, Joel Apon, and welcome address was delivered by chairman, Planning Committee, Dr. Kenyelo Rengma.
Greetings and short messages were addressed by president RPO Dimapur, Alo Kent, first president, RCP, Topan Jishing, chairman PVC, Aheto Yeputhomi and president RCP, Er. Caleb Kent, while vote of thanks was addressed by advisor RCP, Wanthang Rengma.
A special number was president by The Herald’s, while folk songs by Rengma Community Padumpukhuri youths, display of cultural dance and songs by RPO Chümoukedima, RCP womenfolk, Western Rengma, while indigenous games such as Honchu (Mens), Keshavüghü keke ponli and High kick, were the highlights of the jubilee and Ngada celebration. Meanwhile, declaration of Ngada was announced by Ngada Rüpugüh (chief) G Rengma.