DIMAPUR: In an initiative to promote community participation in tourism and strengthen awareness of local heritage, the INTACH Nagaland Chapter on Saturday handed over a Tourist Information and Heritage Installation to Longkhum village.
According to Sentila T. Yanger, State Convener, INTACH Nagaland Chapter, the programme began with an invocation by Rev. Aka Jamir, pastor, Longkhum Baptist Church, seeking blessings for the initiative and the community. Chairing the programme, Mefutiba Longkumer, co convener of INTACH Nagaland Chapter, in his introductory address, highlighted the importance of making tourism information accessible at the community level. He said the installation would serve as a useful source of information for visitors while encouraging the local community, particularly youth, to take greater interest in the history, culture, traditions and natural heritage of the village. He noted that such installations help visitors understand and appreciate the unique cultural and natural assets of the village while promoting responsible and respectful tourism. This is the second signage installed by INTACH Nagaland Chapter, the first being at Khonoma village in 2019.
The installation was formally handed over to Longkhum Village chairman, Longkhumbo Jamir, in the presence of members of the Village Council, Longkhum Village Tourism Committee, teachers and students. As part of the programme, INTACH Nagaland Chapter also distributed a colouring storybook in the Ao vernacular titled “Tenemmozü Nokinketer” (The Hornbill Warrior) to students. The book is designed to introduce children to local stories, traditions and cultural knowledge in a simple and engaging manner, while preserving the local language. The initiative seeks to encourage children to value their heritage and recognise their role in preserving and passing it on to future generations.
INTACH Nagaland Chapter expressed hope that the installation and educational materials would serve as meaningful resources for both visitors and the local community. The programme concluded with a call for continued cooperation among the village community, educational institutions and tourism stakeholders to promote responsible, sustainable and culturally sensitive tourism while safeguarding the heritage of the village.
