Morung Express News
Mokokchung | August 1
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has said that the Ao have contributed much to the Naga society and have been pioneers in many fields in this era. Speaking at the Tsungremmong celebrations and the state Road Show for Mokokchung at Imkongmeren Sports Complex this morning, Rio said the Ao are one of the leading tribes in Nagaland and has served as an example to the people in many progressive spheres. He said the Ao can further lead the Nagas in many areas.
Christianity first came to the Ao Nagas in Nagaland and this paved the way for the community to pioneer in the field of education, Rio said and that the Nagas, as a whole, has progressed much. Also, saying that the Nagas still have a long way to go, Rio said their forefathers upheld work culture and the people should also imbibe this quality to move forward. He reminded the community that they should also honour the legacy of their hardworking forefathers. ‘Seeking God’s blessings for a bumper harvest finds no relevance without hard work,’ Rio said.
Further, in keeping with the tradition of the road shows in the state, Rio appreciated the cultural items, exhibitions and developmental activities of the government that were highlighted during the event. ‘Preserving our cultural heritage, we should also imbibe professionalism and make progression in various fields,’ he said. He also said Mokokchung can become the capital of fashion and music in the right perspective as the youth have been involving and showing interest in the two areas.
He encouraged the people of Mokokchung to identify their “specialty and strength and capitalize on it” and added that they only have to identify where they want to build their capacity, be it in the field of agriculture, music, sports or entrepreneurship. He urged the youth to decide their chosen field and work towards achieving their goals.
On political matters, the chief minister said the DAN government is committed to being an active facilitator to the protracted Naga political problem. He said that the government of India recognizes the Naga political issue and accordingly, the Nagas must also recognize it in the right spirit and work towards finding a solution. He reminded that the “overgrounds must unite first, before persuading the undergrounds to unite.”
Minister for PHED, Dr. Ngangshi K. Ao, in his wishing Tsungremmong blessings, said Tsungremmong is a festival of thanksgiving to God. He elaborated the significance of the festival and stressed on the features of uniqueness of the Ao culture. He said the Naga society is in a state of ‘flux’ due to the impact of westernization. The minister urged the people to conserve traditional values. Also, during the event, the district excellence awards for various fields were given away by the chief minister. The district excellence award in the field of literature was awarded to Rev. C. Walu Walling; for social services, to former AKM president Aodangla; for entrepreneurship, to Wabang Mollier from Mollier Cable TV Network and for art and crafts, to Imsuyanger from Changtonya town.
The awards carry a citation and a cash award of Rs. 5000. The Best Farmer Award (2005-2009) under Mokokchung was also announced. The award carries a citation and a cash award of Rs. 5000. Also, the Best Group Farmer award carries a cash prize of Rs. 10,000 besides the citation. Other highlights of the day-long programme included a host of cultural performances, contemporary music and indigenous games.
