Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 8
A cultural exchange programme for Kohima based tribal bodies organised by Kohima Lotha Hoho (KLH) on October 8 as prelude to its golden jubilee, at RCEMPA Jotsoma, stressed on the need to strengthen Naga unity.
“This is a step towards Naga unity,” said Er Mhondamo Ovung, Chairman Lotha Hoho. “We, Nagas, always talk about Naga unity, Naga solution that should be honourable, acceptable and inclusive. Are we working with those goals? Are we really united? It is high time that we do away with narrow emotional philosophy like tribalism,” Er Ovung said. We should move toward Naga unity, he said and stressed on the need to abandon narrow philosophy and move towards inclusive philosophy.
Nagaland School Education & SCERT Advisor, Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, who graced the programme as “honoured guest’, said that identity is unique to each person. He, however, expressed dismay that Nagas have failed to understand each other distinctive characteristics. “Unity is a must. Today, we need to rethink how we have to go ahead,” Dr Yhome said.
Stating that Nagaland is now stand as the third most literate state in the country, he said “ we have to let people trust us that we are trustworthy people.”
“We have to rebuild our pride,” he said. Dr. Yhome also stressed on the need to have the atmosphere of care, affection and love one another.
Nagaland Agriculture Advisor Mhathung Yanthan said that today’s event theme “Integrating cultures for the common good” means breaking barriers of misunderstanding and prejudice, encouraging dialogue and cooperation among all communities, creating platforms for young generation to experience and inherit not only their own heritage but also the beauty of others and building a society where diversity is not seen as division, but as strength.
When we integrate cultures, we do not weaken our identity—we strengthen our collective destiny, he said. “As we step into the golden jubilee year of the Kohima Lotha Hoho, may this Cultural Exchange Programme reignite in us the spirit of fellowship, the pride of heritage, and the commitment to unity. Together, let us build bridges, not walls; let us plant seeds of harmony for posterity; and let us walk forward—diverse in identity, but united in purpose,” Yanthan added.
MLA Achumbemo Kikon advocated that Nagas must come together and form a united forum, “so that Nagas move forward instead of going backward.” He was hopeful that this cultural exchange programme will be a springboard for Naga unity and reconciliation. “Our thinking process should not have confine only to smaller geographical area of the state of Nagaland as Nagas lives both in Myanmar and India,” he said. Our people, without our consent, have been divided into many states in two countries, but what bind us together as one people is our tradition and our culture, Kikon said.
MLA Y. Mhonbemo Humtsoe challenged the KLH to renew its commitment to work together in unity and strive for peace, progress and development.
Thejao Vihienuo, President, Angami Public Organisation and Dr Thanghoi Lam, president Khiamniungan Union Kohima also addressed the gathering.
