Kohima, April 28: A new body- 80plus friendship, Kohima village will be launched on April 30 at 12:00 Noon at T. Khel Ruzhie. Friends of 80plus is a network and fellowship of like-minded people who wish to revive and uphold this Naga traditional practice of placing highest value and respect to elders- the older the person become, the more valued he/she is.
Neidonuo Angami said Friends of 80plus is a non-profit, an entirely voluntary and benevolent fellowship. Members contribute in kind or cash at their own capacity. They commit to give at least one day a month to the activities of the organisation. They have a common interest to befriend the 80plus and serve them in whatever possible way. The programme is initiated for 80plus citizens of Kohima village. The goal of the 80plus is to revive the culture of listening to, and be guided by the wisdom of the elders.
Objectives: 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.
Proposed activities include a monthly home visit to all the 80plus citizens of the village, documenting their stories and experiences, attend to their medical and other physical festive seasons, accompany them to significant occasions/events and organize special programmes for them once a year. Naga tradition and culture bestows enormous value and honour to elders and the aged. Every blessing in the lives of the people and their land is credited to the pronouncement of its elders. However, with the change of times and the intrusion of the imitation culture, much of this imbibed practice of honouring and valuing the aged is beginning to fade away. Sad to say, the older people in the communities are beginning to feel less helpful and inadequate to contribute to the well being of the society.
They are made to believe that modern civilization and culture are far advanced and beyond their comprehension and that their experiences and wisdom are inapplicable to the issues of the present times. This is a stoic reality we face today, a concept paper said.
Keduotuolie Mepfuo, chairman Kohima Village Council will grace the launching ceremony as the chief guest.
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