(From Left to Right) President of DAKT Akumdong escorts chief guest C.M. Chang, and DAKT executive convenor Alemwati. Student member of DAKT presents “Face Off” during the Cultural Night session of the Delhi Ao Kaketshir Telongjem 23rd annual Fresher’s Day celebration on September 14.
Dimapur, September 18 (MExN): The Delhi Ao Kaketshir Telongjem celebrated its 23rd annual Fresher’s Day on September 14, 2011 at the Shah auditorium, Civil Lines. This year however, it was a Fresher’s Day cum Cultural Night. The reason being, it is the most important time of the year when all the Ao students in Delhi could come together. Hence, a cultural extravaganza was organized with an aim to remember and rethink the roots and values of the rich Naga culture and heritage.
The occasion was graced by C.M. Chang, M.P. Lok Sabha as the Chief Guest. He remarked, “We Nagas do not know how to unite, we know only how to divide.” As a result he urged the youngsters to work towards unity of all the Naga tribes. He also reminded the young Ao generations that their forefathers have been the pioneers in many of the fields among the Nagas, that his own tribe was introduced to education and Christianity by them. As a result, he emphasized that it is the duty of the younger ones to be responsible and live up to the expectations of all because, “Everyone’s eyes is on the Aos.”
Further, the guest of honor, I. Sungit Longkumer, Deputy Commandant, First NAP, exhorted the students through a process of historical retrospection. Tracing the noteworthy achievements of the Ao forefathers, he encouraged all present to keep up the value of, “Tejembiba Inyakba Kin”, that is to “Practice what you preach.”
The second session or the Cultural Night comprised of a number of folk dances, songs and a special guest performance by the Eastern Nagaland Students. Apart from the cultural program, different talented young artists presented beautiful numbers from all genres of music. The special highlight in this category being the young talented musician, Imtisoa aka Snatch. He is a rapper and a D.J. who is currently nominated for the Nagaland Music Videos Award.
All in all, it was a successful occasion and around six hundred attendees were recorded. The representatives of many different Naga tribes and students joined in with much energy and enthusiasm. It was an encouraging and enlightening evening that celebrated the arrival of young and fresh minds to Delhi. In addition, the Cultural Program was a powerful and proud representation of the younger generation’s love for ones roots and the desire to keep it alive wherever they go, even as they accommodate and distinguish themselves in the modern metropolitan existence.
