The people of Chukitong Range under Wokha district, who have the distinction of having one of the oldest EAC HQs in the state, got together and came out by the thousands to celebrate Independence Day for the very first time here at GHSS Chukitong ground with EAC Athrong as chief guest on Monday.
Organized jointly by GHSS Chukitong, Chukitong Area Government Schools Employees’ Association (CAGSEA), E Coy, COB Chukitong, 28 Assam Rifles, and the people of Chukitong Range under the aegis of the Chukitong Range Public Organization (CRPO), the celebration of India’s 70th Independence Day at Chukitong EAC HQ got off to an early start with hoisting of the national flag in all government offices and institutions at 6 am followed by visitations to all government and private institutions by the coordination committee, and parade review by Dy. Comdt. M.N. Khama, E Coy Cdr, COB Chukitong, 28 Assam Rifles.
The chief guest, EAC Athrong, unfurled the national flag and took the rashtriya salute exactly at 9 am along with the rest of the state. He also inspected and took salute from the eight (8) march past contingents before reading out the Independence Day speech.
GHSS Chukitong principal and coordination committee convenor Y. Vungthungo, speaking on behalf of the coordination committee, said that one of the objectives of celebrating Independence Day at Chukitong was to let the children learn the significance of the day through real participation and not only through newspapers, television and books.
Dy. Comdt. M.N. Khama, paying homage to the pioneers of the area, said Chukitong Range has not only the distinction of being one of the oldest EAC HQs in the state but also the distinction of being the area from where the first Naga IAS officer hailed from in the person of late TCK Lotha who was also the longest serving chief secretary of Nagaland and died in office as a cabinet minister. On behalf of the CO, 28 Assam Rifles Wokha, he also presented a gift to Yamosao Kikon, an elderly World World II veteran from Chukitong.
CRPO chairman Ezanimo Kikon, who delivered greetings, assured all concerned authorities of CRPO’s cooperation for the uplift and development of the area.
Tsungiki villagers performed folk dance, Tsungiki Village Council, Koio village elders, and Mhoru Josu Eloe Cultural Club Chukitong presented folk songs, Seluku villagers demonstrated the art of making a trditional fire, and Chukitong Range Students’ Union presented a bamboo walk item. A traditional game, tug of war, was also played out between E Coy, COB Chukitong 28 Assam Rifles Vs Chukitong Range GBs Union, JNV Chukitong Vs GHSS Chukitong, MO Office Chukitong Vs EAC Office Chukitong, and BDO Office Chukitong Vs CDPO Office Chukitong.
Prizes in the form of cash were awarded to the best march past contingents where JNV Chukitong Girls were adjudged first, Chukitong Area Baptist Mission School (CABMS) Girls second, and JNV Chukitong Boys third. The other five (5), GHSS Chukitong Girls and Boys, Pretty Petals School, CABMS Boys and Emerald School were also awarded consolation prizes in the form of cash. All 8 contingents were also presented with gifts from E Coy, COB Chukitong, 28 Assam Rifles.
CAGSEA president C. Chichanbemo Ngullie proposed vote of thanks at the celebration programme compeered by GHSS Chukitong PGT (Eng) Thungdeno and GT Michelle.