Phokhungri Area Cultural Society held its 7th cultural festival from April 10 to 12 at Shilloi Lake under the theme “Our culture, Our Identity” with M.P. Rajya Sabha and secretary general NPF, K.G Kenye as the chief guest.
According to DIPR, Kenye, in his inaugural speech, on April 11 reminisced that in 1991 when he was the chairman of Phek DPDB board and the DPDB meeting was held at Shilloi Lake, the area had only 11 households and today it had become a tourist destination. He also acknowledged G. Kaito Aye for initiating the setting up a tourist spot at Shilloi Lake when he was the minister in-charge of Tourism.
Exhorting the gathering, Kenye said that when culture was lost identities were also lost and he called upon the gathering to preserve their rich culture.
He also said that Nagas had the highest traditional self-governance (ownership of land) and urged the people to follow the legacy of their ancestors like honesty, friendliness, hard work, kindness and being trustworthy which, according to Kenye, were diminishing in our society. Kenye assured the people gathered that a VIP guest house would be constructed at Shilloi lake and the helipad would be renovated.
Pastor Liitsam Baptist Church invoked God’s blessing, a welcome note was delivered by K. Tsathvii, folk tune was presented by Siitsii women folk, a presidential address was delivered by Thimu Feethu, solidarity note was given by Krutu Thur, president PAPO and a greeting was presented by Tiipin, president PCO. Cultural troupes from New Thewati, Siitsii, Laluri, Zhiipu, Phokhungri, Old Thewati and Latsam performed folk songs.
Later, after the cultural program the MP, along with government officials, visited the International Trade Centre and Helipad at Avakhung.
The MP was accompanied by Benjamin Phom SDO(C) Meluri, Adeno Project Director DRDA Phek, government officials from Transport, PWD and Industries & Commerce and IPR departments. NPF central office bearers and NPF Meluri division also attended the program.