Robert Chirgwin, a visitor from the United Kingdom, has termed his visit to Nagaland during Hornbill Festival as a wonderful cultural exposure.
Sharing his first experience of the Hornbill Festival with Nagaland Post, Chirgwin said traditional dances, songs, and even events like tug of war were beautiful expressions of culture, describing them as a great unifying factor, much like the way traditions were valued in Great Britain.
Chirgwin, who reached Nagaland on Monday with three friends, admired the variety of cultural performances, including sowing dances, which he found both captivating and unique.
He mentioned that it was from Naga friends that he first learned about the rich traditions of the state. He said he was glad he came, adding that it was not expensive either, though costs could be reduced further. He stated that he was eager to return to Nagaland in future.
With background in Christian training and mission development, Chirgwin also spoke highly of Nagaland’s Christian heritage, describing it as strong and deeply rooted, identical with the British.
He lauded the Naga people, saying they were very friendly and helpful. He claimed to have had good conversations and made friends, including those he already had from Tseminyu.
On Nagaland’s status as a dry state, he opined that the position, if upheld in moderation, could be beneficial.
He elaborated, “Nagaland will be better off if it continued to remain a dry state. Alcohol, when not consumed in moderation, can lead young people astray.”
Clarifying that while he believed that drinking in moderation was acceptable, he expressed concern about its potential harm to individuals and communities.
He cautioned that it was addictive and contributed to fatal diseases, and could even weaken the potential of people here. He noted that moderation was not always observed, leading to social and health-related challenges.
Referring to the 1977 declaration of Nagaland Mission Movement to send 10,000 Christian missionaries, Chirgwin suggested that as the 50th anniversary of the declaration was approaching, the youth in Nagaland could envision fulfillment of the declaration.
He expressed a desire to see Nagaland’s Mission Movements gain momentum, particularly with the 50th anniversary of the declaration approaching. Chirgwin also emphasised on the need for a clear vision to guide the younger generation. “Nagas have tremendous potential. They are born fighters- once headhunters, now soul winners,” referring to a book written by a Naga author he recently received as a gift.
“But, without a clear vision, people settle for second best” he said and buttressed it with a biblical text “where there is no vision, people perish.”