Sao Chang College, Tuensang, Nagaland celebrated its 44th Annual Cultural Day on December 7 at the college premises on the theme “Your Culture, Your Identity.” K. Okie, executive secretary of Khiamniungan Tribal Council (KTC) was the special guest and Col. Abdul Hameed Khan, DIG of 7 Sector Assam Rifles Tuensang, was the special invitee for the program.
Sao Chang College media cell convenor, M. Shiu in a press release stated that Okie, in his address, said that the Nagas have very rich cultural values, unique and different from the rest of the country and even the world.
But with modern society’s influence of western culture, young people face identity crises. Okie advocated for educating Naga youngsters about traditions and culture through co-curricular programs.
He lamented that many youngsters cannot speak their own mother tongues. Okie pointed out that many parents give their children western names and speak English within the family contributing to the loss of traditions and customs. “We should teach modern education to our children but not at the cost our culture” he asserted.
Col. Abdul Hameed Khan, while speaking in the program said that Nagas are known by the people of mainland India for their love, honesty, truthfulness, sincerity, hard work and hospitality. He said that culture was a set of things people do in our lives repeatedly and encouraged the gathering to preserve it. Also encouraging the young people, Col. Khan urged them to set targets and strive to achieve them and not cite limited facilities of their home town as an excuse. He encouraged them to explore the rest of mainland India and the world to acquire more knowledge and skills.
During the program, traditional attires in the Ancient, Present and Future forms were displayed by students. Folk dance and cock fight competitions were also held. The winners of the Cultural, Fine Art and Literary completions received certificates. Judges for the cultural competitions were assistant professors Tekameren, and Temjentula.
The program was compered by Elonbeni Jami and Youngtu Khumba. Hoamniu, prayer secretary, Evangelical Union, SCC offered the invocation and a welcome address was delivered by Khaikho, SCCSU general secretary. Vote of thanks was proposed by Mulai T., literary & cultural secretary, SCCSU and benediction was pronounced by Dr. Kenilo, assistant professor.