Correspondent
WOKHA, NOV 5 (NPN): The second day of the indigenous games competition under the Tokhu Emong festival was held at Public Ground, Wokha, on Wednesday, with Deputy Commissioner Wokha, K. Mhathung Tsanglao, attending as the special guest.
The competitions were conducted by Team Metamorphosis, with participants competing in various traditional and indigenous sporting events. In the high jump, Aben Ezung emerged as the champion, while Asemo Murry secured the runners-up position.
In the traditional wooden top spinning competition, Orenlow Humtsoe clinched first place, followed by Chumben Humtsoe in second place. Zanbeni Kithan won the Lotha Naga-style traditional winnowing competition, while Rabemo Ngullie and Asemo Murry emerged winners in the Naga karting event.
The finals of the tug-of-war competition are scheduled to be held on November 7, coinciding with the concluding day of the festival.
The programme was chaired by Eloe Hoho president Thungbeni Ngullie, while students of Perennial School, Wokha, presented a folksong.
Addressing the gathering, Tsanglao highlighted the importance of developing a broad-minded outlook for the overall progress of society. Referring to the saying, “an empty mind is the workshop of the devil,” he spoke about three different mindsets prevalent among people. He observed that some people focus only on individual growth, while others restrict their thinking to their village, range or immediate surroundings. The third category, he said, comprises those who think beyond narrow boundaries and work towards the welfare of society as a whole.
Emphasising the need to cultivate the third mindset, Tsanglao urged people to look beyond personal and community interests and contribute towards the larger development of society. He said a broader outlook would help create a better future for coming generations.
The DC also encouraged people to reconsider their perception of success, stating that securing a government job should not be the sole measure of achievement. He called for greater initiative, entrepreneurship and willingness to explore opportunities beyond government and salaried employment.
Highlighting the dignity of labour, he maintained that no work should be considered embarrassing and encouraged people to remain energetic, resourceful and open to different avenues of livelihood.
Tsanglao later formally declared the indigenous games competition open.
Meanwhile, the cultural day programme on November 6 will be graced by Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, Wonchio Odyuo, as the special guest. The programme will feature folk song and folk-dance competitions aimed at showcasing and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Lotha community.