Advisor for Food & Civil Supply, Legal Metrology, K.T Sukhalu said Tsüngkamnyo Festival is a time to celebrate community and the cultural heritage of the people, stating that it is thus an apt time to reflect on the meaning of community and asserted that Nagas as a community have coexisted together through the ages and must continue with the same spirit as brothers and sisters.
According to a DIPR report, Sukhalu was speaking on the second day of Tsungkamnyo-cum-Mini Hornbill Festival as the special guest at Yimkhiung Heritage Pungro, Kiphire district on January 16.
In his speech, Sukhalu said “we must look to the future and think about prosperity and progress, we as a community must be the architect of our own destiny.
Asserting that they cannot forget their history and tradition, Sukhalu said it is not just about their festivals, tradition attire and customs but their culture is rooted in the village ethos, an ethos marked by community, shared experience and generosity. “No matter the tribe, all our festivals are marked by community festivals where everyone participates in the songs, dances and feast”. Therefore, he urged the gathering not to allow false division in their community and appealed for bigger and stronger united Naga Community.
Sukhalu maintained that education is more important than ever, in this age of fast paced change, nothing is guaranteed. He stated that it is increasingly important to not only be educated and get degree, but one must now have technical skills to be successful or even to gain employment. He asserted that there are millions of highly educated people who will be competing with them for the same jobs and resources. He advised the youths to work hard with determination and dedication. At the same time, he also advised the parents to instil in their children, the integrity and discipline needed for them to succeed in life.
Stressing on misinformation and fake news, he said one of the bigger dangers that they are facing lately is misinformation, while misinformation has always existed, it is especially dangerous now with the widespread use of social media. With artificial intelligence and malicious groups generating false information and facts, Sukhalu said “we must be cautious about what we choose to believe and spread. A solid foundation of our knowledge in education will enable us to discern the real news from the fake news, so that we do not get carried away by every clip or message we get on social medias. We cannot be successful if we are easily misled, we cannot become leaders if we blindly follow trends and gossip, if Nagas are to decide our own future, we must be spiritually and intellectually strong”, he added.
The host of the event was advisor of Home Guard & Civil Defence, Fire & Emergency Services, S. Kiusumew.
During the celebration, general secretary YTC, Laji Luyanba, delivered the welcome address. Short speech was delivered by president CKS, N.Y Choba Chang, as tribal guest, while the Sangphur village and Tsuyola presented special items. The programme was chaired by Rebecca Khiuphur and Runshito Yimkhiung while cultural item was presented by various culture troupes.
On day one, the Tsungkamnyo-cum-Mini Hornbill Festival, a significant cultural celebration of the Yimkhiung tribe, commenced on January 15 at the local ground, Pungro Town. The three-day event will culminate on January 17, 2025, celebrating tradition, unity, and cultural heritage.
The event commenced with the ceremonial pulling of the log drum, a ritual symbolizing strength and community which was led by the GBs Union Pungro Sub-Division. Pastor of Salomi Baptist Church, Rev. Bumbah, offered the dedicatory prayer, followed by traditional blessings pronounced by head GB Pungro, Yansomong.
The keynote address was delivered by convener of the Organizing Committee, Hosito Elias, who emphasized the critical importance of preserving the cultural and historical legacy of the Yimkhiung tribe. During his presentation on the cultural and historical significance of Yimkhiung traditional attire, Elias highlighted the tribe’s enduring values of forgiveness and reconciliation.
He elaborated on the tribe’s practice of hosting feasts between the conflicting villages to foster peace and maintain friendships among former foes. He also encouraged the youth to learn and embrace their cultural heritage and take pride in their customs and traditions.
Highlights of the event included log drum beating by Pungrowong tribal children, folk song by Penkim village, folk fusion by M. Torila, western musical performance by Khongsa village, and folk fusion presented by Tsuyinla.