80 plus citizens chats over lunch during 20th Foundation Day 2025 of Friends of 80 Plus Kohima village on April 30. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | April 30
Friends of 80 Plus Kohima village observed its 20th Foundation Day 2025 on April 30 at Marocchino Hall, Christ the King Church, P. Khel, Kohima village.
Presently, there are 228 (81 male & 147 female) 80 plus citizens in Kohima village.
Friends of 80 Plus is a network and fellowship of like-minded people, started in 2002 with an aim to revive and uphold the Naga traditional practice of placing highest value and respect to elders.
Since its inception, the Friends of 80 Plus have been commemorating April 30 as its foundation day to honour 80 Plus citizens.
Friends of 80 Plus convenor Neidonuo stated that Friends of 80 Plus has gained much respect and visibility through the love and support showered by “our community members.”
“The members of 80 plus come from different backgrounds with the majority of them being farmers, while others have worked as government employees, teachers, doctors and in the Church. They also come from different socio-economic strata with some from wealthier families while others from less privileged ones,” Neidonuo stated adding “An interesting phenomenon was the sense of belongingness to the group, irrespective of social background.
To my mind, this was a result of the age-old traditional of Peli (Peer Groups) practice in our society. The elderly people grew up at a time when Peli was central to their social lives as it defines not just their role in society but also their existence as every social activity revolves around Peli, Neidonuo stated in 20th foundation day publication of Friends of 80 Plus.
Southern Angami Public Organization (SAPO) President Tepul Hepovi graced the 20th foundation day programme as the special guest.
Khrietuo Pienyii chaired the programme while Rev. Dr. Ruokuovilie Sachii, pastor Khedi Baptist Kehou invoked God’s blessings.
Report of the Friends of 80 Plus was given by Kevitsu Yhome.
Khriezobeinuo Kire and friends presented folk song.
Rev. Khrieneilie Sachii, senior pastor BRCK and Fr. C.M. Joseph, Parist Priest, Christ the King Church also pronounced prayer at the 20th Foundation Day. Vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Vizolie Suokhrie.
Later, Medical check-up and free medicine have been extended to the elderly people by Kohima Village Doctors Association and supported by Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM), Department of Rural Development, Nagaland.
Major General Manish Kumar, Inspector General Assam Rifles (North) and Col. Tarun Rana, Commandant 13th Assam Rifles also present on the occasion and offered gifts to 80 plus citizens.
