Lipokmar calls for a renewed appreciation of differently-abled children
Special presentation by differently-abled school children on a common platform at the opening of Spring Festival 2016 at North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC) Complex on Friday evening put smiles on the faces of the audience as they gave heart-warming and compelling performances.
The event was special because the actors behind the show had different disabilities. With smiles and laughter, the endearing children performed action songs, choreography, dances and sang songs, showing that there is ability in every disability.
The truly heartwarming moment was when inspired audience mid-way to the presentation clapped and shouted words of appreciation.
“I am very happy to perform here and I am confident and not afraid,” said Chatong, a student from Deaf Biblical Ministry prior to their performance at the rehearsal.
For Avino of Tabitha Enabling Academy from Kohima, it’s her first time in Dimapur. “I am so excited, she expressed.
NEZCC Director Lipokmar Tzudir, who took the honour to introduce the differently-abled participants called for renewed appreciation of children with different abilities.
“Perhaps we see things differently, we hear things differently but…those that we brand as blind or deaf can see and hear from the heart. We have no right as human beings to judge just because we see and hear differently,” Tzudir exhorted.
Also pointing out that Dimapur is a cosmopolitan city with half of the population comprising of non-Nagas, the NEZCC director said spring is a time for renewed appreciation of the different communities residing in Nagaland and Dimapur in particular.
The differently –abled participants were from the Deaf Biblical Ministry Naharbari, Silverline Academy, Dimapur, St Mary Montessori, Dimapur, Tabitha Enabling Academy, Kohima, Cherry Blossoms, Kohima and Dimapur Blind School.
Friday’s presentation by the differently-abled is part of NEZCC’s endeavor to encourage better understanding of people affected by disability and help make people more aware of the rights, dignity and welfare of disabled people, especially children by providing different platforms.
The evening also highlighted the region’s rich indigenous culture through presentation of colourful and fascinating tribal dance and folk music.
From the sensual Bro-Zai dance of Arunachal Pradesh performed by young women; the dexterous drum dance -Dhol Cholom of Manipur to the intrepid warrior dance from Nagaland, the evening showcased the mosaic of dance and culture and the spectacular diversity of the Northeast that has merely four per cent of India’s population.
Expressing aesthetic beauty of traditional celebrations, Assam cultural troupes performed the popular and colourful Bihu dance and the Bardoishikla dance while Meghalaya presented the mirthful and gaiety Wangala dance; from Mizoram, the lively and attractive bamboo dance-Cheraw, Tamang Selo folk dance from Sikkim and the spectacular Hozagiri dance from Tripura.
The Spring Festival is aimed at showcasing the vibrant cultural heritage of the North East region. At least 400 performers from North East states as well as from other regions are part of the festival to enthrall the viewers.
Besides, the festival also has cuisine and crafts fair for visitors and competitions, play activities and competitions for children. The festival will conclude on Sunday.
Earlier in the morning, Spring Festival 2016 kicked off with a number of competitions and play activities dedicated for the young generation.
The initial events of this year’s spring festival began with a stimulating extempore speech competition which was followed by painting and choir competition.
NEZCC Deputy Director D. Vashum, in his introductory note, exhorted the assembled students that culture is not only confined to folk songs and dance. Culture reflects every aspect of our life, he said.
Students being the leaders of tomorrow, Vashum pointed out that NEZCC was therefore giving great importance to the young generation by way of organizing competitions and other activities.
The deputy director also impressed upon the students to strive towards becoming cultured personalities and lead the nation.
Altogether, 18 students from 9 schools participated in the extempore competition, while 9 groups participated in the choir competition and 27 students in the painting competition.
Schools participating in the competition include Rincho Academy; Vision Home HSS, Unity CHSS, Brothers & Sisters School- Chumukedima, Great Commission HSS, Christina Memorial HSS, Highland Hall School- Naga United, Nagaland Police Centre School-Chumukedima, Livingstone Foundation HSS and Kendriya Vidyalaya.