As part of their training, probationers (P) of 2014 Batch Nagaland Civil Services (NCS) celebrated “Festivals of Nagaland with Tsungremmong” at Administrative Training Institute (ATI), Kohima on August 3.
Speaking on the occasion, deputy director ATI, Dr. Hovithal Sothu, stressed on the importance of preserving ‘our’ rich culture and traditions. He said that culture and traditions were important as they transmit shared values, stories, and goals from one generation to the next.
He stated that traditions encourage groups of people to create and share a collective identity, which in turn serves to shape individual identities.
Further, Sothu remarked that this (culture and traditions) birth right should be handed down to an informed and prepared generation and expressed hoped that the ‘Celebration of Festivals of Nagaland with Tsungremmong’ would go a long way in empowering Nagas with the knowledge of ‘our’ rich cultures and traditions.
During the celebration, the probationers presented ‘Festivals of Nagaland’ in which Tokhu Emong (Lotha) was presented by Echungbemo Erui ; Sekrenyi (Angami and Chakhesang) by Nuhuta Tunyi ; Tulunyi (Sumi) by Aketo Chisho; Monyu (Phom) by H. Enyu Phom;Chega Gadi (Zeliang) by Wiridin; Naknyulum(Chang)by Sakuchingmak; Aoleang(Konyak) by Saratho; Mongmong (Sangtam) by Rozy Sangtam; Biam (Khiamnuingan) by Pukha; Yemshe (Puchury) by Luchui Fithu; Medemneo (Yimchunger) by Kihomong; Mimkut (Kuki) by Renbithung; Ngada (Rengma) by Tumben and Bishu (Kachari) by Pichano, while Nukshimatong presented the meaning and significance of Tsungremmong Festival.
A cultural tune was presented by the Lotha officers. The probationers presented the theme song of 2014 Batch after which Er.N.Moa Longkumer gave the closing remarks.
The function was followed by display of culture by the Chungtia villagers of Kohima.“Top” game and “Tug of War” was played between the probationers and the Chungtia Village Cultural Troupe.
The program ended with a grand feast of Ao (Naga) delicacies prepared by the probationers of 2014 Batch. Earlier, Bendang Longkumer NCS (P) chaired the programme.
CASU: Chumukedima Ao Students’ Union (CASU) celebrated ‘Tsungremmong’ festival on August 2 at Joyce Complex, Chumukedima.
Director, Higher education, I. Alempokba was the main speaker on this occasion and unveiled the CASU silver jubilee logo.
Speaking on the occasion, Alempokba said that “presently, the Naga society including the Ao society is going through a transitional period wherein our age old ideas and values are being replaced and refined with new ones”.
We cannot compare ourselves with the advanced civilizations which are thousands of years old but we are only now starting to develop, said Alempokba.
He also mentioned that if “we the Ao’s count our civilization from ‘Longtrok’ we are not even 1000 years old, inspite of this we have advanced tremendously by inculcating the culture and customs of other advanced civilizations”.
He also informed the gathering on the advancement of technology which presents “us” with the opportunity to know and learn from all cultures and civilizations.
He said “we” are at a juncture from where “we can get started and go forward with a better vision and should now reflect on what is good and bad for our society and discard the customs and practices which hinder our growth and pick up whatever is for our good”.
He also said “we” may not be able to compete with others in physical development but can compete though attainment of knowledge and learning.
He said “culture” includes the sum total of all activities, whether it is dresses and attire, food habits, education, wealth management, dance and songs and all other customs. He said that if all these could be improved then “our” would be called a society which moves forward.
Ao’s are known as pioneers of the Nagas and should therefore be pioneers in bringing about these changes and young people have a big part to play by changing present attitude and make use of the knowledge and technology available today, said Alempokba.
The programme was hosted by Soyim and Temsunaro and witnessed special presentations by the Ao students of Chumukedima, Patkai Christian College and Servanthood College.
AKHOYA: Akhoya also celebrated the Tsüngremmong festival with participants and invitees from her neighbouring villages on Tuesday with MLA S.Pangnyu as the chief guest.
While greeting the people on the occasion, S.Pangnyu urged the Naga youth and students to think what they could do for better Nagaland instead of asking Nagaland for all their needs.
“We have lost a couple of generations in our society who succumbed to the temptation of drugs in recent past. It’s a challenging time for upcoming younger generation to overcome this kind of social menace and try to rebuild the society,” said Pangnyu with deep regret.
He also encouraged the people to build and maintain better inter village relationship and cooperate with the government for development in the state. He also acknowledged the sacrifice and contributions of Akhoya village in particular and Aos as a whole in bringing Christianity and Education to Eastern parts of Nagaland.
This Tsüngremmong festival program was organized by the Akhoya Students’ Union in commemoration of its platinum jubilee this year.
The celebration was marked by folk dance and songs, traditional sports and traditional Ao Naga nursery rhymes presented by Yaongyimsen Students’ Union, Unger Students’ Union, Akholongshi Club Akhoya, Kosalatsür, Govt. Middle School School students and cultural troupe from Akhoya Union Changtongya town, Dimapur and Mokokchung respectively. Mr. Akangnungsang Jamir, Tatar in the village council spoke on the significance of Tsüngremmong.
Ealier, the president of Changtongya Students’ Union and Akhoya Students’ Union brought greetings and K.Temjen Jamir delivered welcome speech and A.Toshi Longkumer pronounced vote thanks on behalf of the organising committee of the festival.
The program was compered by Lanumenla & Temsutoshi Jamir and invocation by pastor T.Lanu, Akhoya Baptist Church and benediction was pronounced by pastor Rev. T.Yanger, Longchara Baptist Church.