DIMAPUR: A felicitation programme for the Tribal Research Documentation Team and the State Technical Support Team was held at the Conference Hall of Nagaland Sales Emporium Complex (NSE), Kohima, on August 28.
Gracing the occasion as guest of honour, Prasielie Pienyü, chairman, NHHDC, described the initiative as more than a documentation exercise, calling it an important step towards preserving cultural heritage, protecting traditional knowledge and ensuring that the identity and traditions of Nagaland’s indigenous tribes are recorded for future generations.
He expressed gratitude to chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio for his visionary support and approval of the project through the Chief Minister’s Innovations Fund, and appreciated the multi departmental committee for providing guidance and strategic direction.
Pienyü highlighted that 12 documentation books had been successfully completed and released by the Chief Minister, covering traditional attires, ornaments, designs, their meanings and associated cultural practices. He termed the felicitation a gesture of appreciation for the dedication and commitment of all involved, while calling for continued collective efforts to preserve and promote Naga cultural heritage.
Delivering the keynote address, Kekhrievor Kevichüsa, Commissioner & Secretary, Urban Development & Municipal Affairs, reflected on the long journey of the project, noting that while the initiative was launched in 2022, the proposal process began in 2021. He stressed the importance of documenting traditional designs and motifs to protect them from unauthorised appropriation and commercial use, and while appreciating the completion of documentation for 12 tribes, observed that some tribes were yet to finalise their decisions.
Kevichüsa further emphasised the need to identify and celebrate common cultural threads that bind the Naga tribes together, alongside their distinct identities. He congratulated the documentation committees, tribal bodies and NHHDC team for their extensive consultations and efforts, stating that their collective work had resulted in an important cultural record for the state.
The State Technical Team and Documentation Core Committee members were felicitated, including Prasielie Pienyü, chairman NHHDC; Kekhrievor Kevichüsa; Kumar Ramnikant,; Er. Y. Lipongse Thongtsar, managing director NHHDC; Adela Moa, director, Art & Culture; Ruopfülenuo, deputy director, IPR; Dr. Nesatalu Hiese Lomi, senior scientist & mission director, NASTEC; and Monyu Konyak, assistant project officer, DUDA.
Members of the Tribal Documentation Teams representing Angami, Ao, Konyak, Khiamniungan, Lotha, Pochury, Phom, Rengma, Sangtam, Tikhir, Sumi and Zeliang tribes were also felicitated for their efforts in documenting and preserving the cultural heritage of their respective tribes.
On behalf of the Tribal Documentation Committee, Ghovili Achumi, convenor, Sumi Documentation Committee, delivered a speech, while Er. Y. Lipongse Thongtsar, managing director, NHHDC, gave the welcome note. The programme was chaired by Ezholü Rose, assistant manager, NHHDC, and concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Nesatalu Hiese Lomi, senior scientist & mission director, NASTEC.
