Our Correspondent
Kohima | April 30
Once again the Friends of 80plus Kohima village brought smile to 80plus citizens by offering gifts including medical check-up and feast through its 13th foundation day held here at Kohima Village Council Hall on April 30. A present there are 167 members (58 male/ 109 female) under Friends of 80plus.
Friends of 80plus is a network and fellowship of likeminded people who wish to revive and uphold Naga traditional practice of placing highest value and respect to elders.
Gracing the occasion, Tenyimia People’s Organization (TPO) president Timikha Koza extended appreciation to the intellectual of the Kohima village for forming Friends of 80plus to take care of 80plus citizens within Kohima village. He strongly felt that other community should also follow the footstep of Friends of 80plus to show respect and affection to the elderly persons.
He maintained that elderly persons are the asset and pride of the community, adding that their guidance, wisdom and blessing brings prosperity and peaceful co-existence in the society. Koza called upon the youngsters to pay due respect to the elderly persons and continue to seek their blessings for a successful life.
“Naga tradition and culture bestows enormous value and honour to elders and the aged,” stated Friends of 80plus convenor Neidonuo Angami adding that every blessing in the lives of the people and their land is credited to the pronouncement of its elders.
Friends of 80plus is a non-profit, an entirely voluntary and benevolent fellowship, she stated in an annual magazine. The members contribute in kind and cash at their own capacity and they commit to give at least one day of a month to the activities of the organization.
“They have a common interest to befriend the 80plus and serve in whatever possible way,” stated Neidonuo adding that the goal of this organization is to revive the culture of listening to; and be guided by the wisdom of the elders The objectives include; to document the stories and experiences of the 80plus citizens, to reach out in friendship and fellowship through monthly home visits, to offer medical and other assistance to their physical needs and to give them psychological support which will enable them to retain their self-esteem and self-respect as elders of the community.
Vilakuolie Mere said that Friends of 80 Plus was formed in 2006.
Friends of 80plus extends monthly home visit to the 80plus citizens of the village, Mere said adding that they also attend to medical and physical needs apart from offering gifts during festive seasons.
A special number from 80plus member Thenumezhii-ii Suokhrie and pronouncement of elderly blessings for all by 80plus member Visakuolie Suokhrie was an added attraction of the programme this year.
Chaired by Vitsu Yhome, the occasion also witnessed observance of one minute silence as a tribute to the departed souls of 80plus members. Lhouvisano Solo rendered ode to great/grandparents.
The special gift to 80plus citizens was extended by the children of late Dr. Satuo and Late Khrieii Sekhose while community feast was hosted by Kohima Village Youth Organization. The photo magazine was sponsored by members of Friends of 80plus in memory of its founding member late Shiirho-o Solo who passed away on June 18, 2017.
Later, medical check-up for all 80plus citizens was conducted by friends from Naga Hospital Authority, Kohima.
