ZHAVAME, JAN 22 (NEPS): Parliamentary Secretary for Social Welfare and Women Development, Chotisuh Sazo said the Nagas had a very rich and diverse culture and further explained that among the Nagas, the “Chakhesangs are privileged to possess a very rich culture.” He was speaking as Cultural Guest at the Cultural Session function held here at Zhavame Village under Phek district on the closing day of the 4-day 63rd General Conference of the Chakhesang Students Union (CSU) today.
“Our culture has been enriched by the successive waves of migration which brought with them different cultures resulting in an eclectic mix that we proudly own today,” he said. “Our physical, religious and racial variety is reflected in our culture. This vast cultural diversity is manifested in the attires, customary practices, languages, relics, etc.”
Stating that the “Chakhesangs are excellent breed,” Sazo said “We are called Chakhesang neither by accident nor by temporary arrangement but by blood.” “It is our traditional bond,” he added saying “Even if someone should want to become a Chakhesang, he or she cannot. There are certain characteristics which make us unique such as working hard, honesty, sincerity, trustworthiness and commitment. This forms the core of our culture and tradition.”
Disclosing that their rich cultures not only thrilled them but also other communities within and outside the state, the Parliamentary Secretary also pointed out that their houses were built with “motifs and designs that speak volumes to them in a non-verbal language.” While they sometimes faced communication problem due to different languages they spoke, they should realize how much fortunate they were than other tribes because of this very fact, he added.
Sazo also said the rich cultures they inherited from their forefathers were pushed to the rear with the coming of westernization. “We began to forget our songs and dances,” he stated adding “They were victims to misinterpretation of Christian values too for some decades.”
Therefore they should learn how to blend with other cultures but at the same time learn to “preserve our culture and traditions,” he said. He however expressed happiness that there had been a “cultural revival of sorts.”
He also said they lived in globalized world, which was highly competitive and increasingly becoming borderless. “Science and Technology are critical to the economic growth and to the uplift of the quality of life of their people. The changes taking place in the world today demand higher levels of innovation in order to improve their competitiveness,” he added.
Urging the students to develop work culture, diligence, determination, commitment, honesty, sincerity and the spirit of oneness and brotherhood, Sazo said as students, every one of them must work hard and try to obtain the best from the education at their disposal so as to enable them to lead their people in future. “The future is in your hands,” he said. “It is up to you to liberate our community from bring labeled ‘backward.”
Cultural troupes from various villages in Phek district participated in the Indigenous Tune (Duet) and Indigenous Dance competitions. Sazo also donated Rs 40000 to Chakhesang Students Union while another Rs 20000 to the cultural troupes.
Earlier ENSF president also delivered greetings on the occasion, while Dute Doulo chaired the occasion.
Deo Nukhu, Adviser, NRE, Science and Technology and Art and Culture, Ex MLA W Krome, prominent Chakhesang leaders, officials also attended the function.
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