Chizami Youth Society celebrate 50 yrs

Youth members performing traditional game during the golden jubilee celebration held on January 3, 2019 at Chizami village local ground. (Photo Courtesy/CYS)

Chizami, January 3 (MExN): The golden jubilee celebration of the Chizami Youth Society (CYS) on January 3, 2019 at Chizami village local ground, witnessed the gathering of around 3200 community people, youth leaders and village councils from neighboring villages.


Chief Host of the celebration, KewezÜ G. Kenye, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha in his speech lauded the effort of the CYS’ pioneers and all leaders, who have significantly contributed towards safeguarding our people, culture, land and territories. He added, the ‘older generations lived through war times, have experienced hunger and homelessness, yet they were very productive and have sacrificed much so that the younger generation have a future’.


However, he lamented that the present generation has become unproductive and has failed to contribute anything that we can be proud of, and therefore it is a challenge for the youth to step it up. He urged the community, Youth in particular, to make the best use of opportunities that the current development offers, to respect cultural diversity and not disintegrate our community, to foster unity, respect elders and build a progressive society. He added that ‘in order to build resilience, we need to be self reliant and sustain the democratic values that our tribal communities have.


One of the main highlights of the celebration is the launching of the Chizami Sports Association (CSA) by the CSA President Colo Mero, and blessed by Rev. Mese Rhakho, Advisor, CBC. The CSA was formed under the initiative of Life Sports, Nagaland in collaboration with the Chizami Youth Society, with a focus on training and developing sportspersons in select sports disciplines, training coaches and referees, and developing sports infrastructure in the village. The CSA will be the official governing body of all sports activities in the village and will be affiliated to the Phek District Sports Council and the Secheku Range Sports Association (SRSA).


Greeting the gathering, Lhüvesayi Lohe, President, Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF) encouraged the youth to uphold the values of diligence, honesty and respect for elders to live a blessed life. Mr. Welhite Naro, Chairman, Chizami Village Council in his speech, challenged the Youth to ‘reflect if we have been a blessing or a liability to the Society’ and called on the Youth to ‘decorate oneself with the values of honesty and truthfulness in our everyday living’.


The MP unveiled the monolith stone commemorating the Golden Jubilee of the CYS, which was blessed by Pastor K.Thopi, CBC. Visielie Kezo, Special Secretary (Finance), Govt. of Nagaland released the Golden Jubilee SEWEDA of the CYS. The programme was chaired by Seno Tsühah, welcome address was delivered by Medo T.Mero, Chairman, CYS; vote of thanks pronounced by Kezütsonyi Chirhah and the closing prayer by Neipe Puro, Catechist, CCC.


Other highlights of the celebration include traditional games, traditional craft exhibits, folk skit, folk songs and dances, performed by the youth members from 6 khels – Ladelekhro, Mechutheza, Pfutshe, Kepero, Pulekhro and Pfutshepa; and a tug-of-war between Chizami Gazette Officers Forum and former Chairmen of CYS.


A press release issued by Wedete Tsuhah, Convener, CYS Golden Jubilee Organising Committee Chizami Village stated that the golden jubilee celebration saw the adoption of zero plastic waste concepts, from its decor to the jubilee feast, only natural and eco-friendly materials were used. The organizers further called on the gathering to join the campaign on environment protection by adopting zero-plastic waste, starting from homes to all public functions.