Governor Dr. Ashwani Kumar and others at the KUK silver jubilee cum Aoleang festival held at Kisama on April 4. (Morung Photo)
The Konyak Union Kohima (KUK) today celebrated its silver jubilee-cum-Aoleang festival with much pomp and zest with Nagaland governor Dr. Ashwani Kumar as the chief guest and Angami Public Organisation (APO) president Keneingunyu Sekhose as the guest of honour.
Extending greetings to all the members of the Konyak tribe on the occasion of Aoleang and congratulating KUK for attaining 25 glorious years, Dr. Kumar said “festivals and festivities occupy a very important place in the life of people living in hills.”
He said that it provides a unique opportunity to all the members of the tribe to come together, meet each other, exchange news and views, partake food and participate in the songs, dances and cultural activities of the tribe.
He said that Konyak tribe has a proud history of many centuries. The contribution of the tribe and Konyak leaders in the political history of Nagaland and the cultural progress of Nagas has been acknowledged by many scholars and historians.
“Konyaks have always been known for their bravery and courage,” he said adding that today the members of Konyak tribe are playing a very vital role in the social, economic and political developments taking place in the state, the north east region and the country.
He also stated that apart from education, the Konyak tribe has to make concerted efforts to improve livelihood conditions of its people and create many more economic opportunities.
“This can be done by modernizing agriculture, horticulture and forestry,” he said. “Increased output and better quality of production will help the farmers enhance their income…we are committed to bring about rapid development especially in backward and remote areas.”
Stating that end of March and beginning of April, heralds a new year of hope and the beautiful season of spring,” he said “we all pray that this year, we may have very good weather, bountiful crops, lots of good luck and prosperity.”
“From its inception, the Konyak Union Kohima has been working tirelessly to foster a spirit of brotherhood among all tribes here in Kohima,” said APO president Keneingunyu Sekhose, adding that the Union has been playing an increasingly important role in both cultural as well as political affairs and making positive contributions to the peace, stability and development of Kohima.
Touching on Aoleang festival, Sekhose said “This festival is celebrated amid the colourful hues of the spring flowers. Aoleang is observed after the sowing of seeds in the new fields and it marks the end of the old year and welcomes the New Year. It is, in essence, a new beginning where one lets go of the old fields and starts the sowing of seeds in new fields. Aoleang gives us an opportunity to cleanse ourselves of our old prejudices and start afresh as a person, a village or as a community.”
APO president also challenged the gathering to reach out to other communities and establish meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships.
Konyak Union, Mon, president S. Manlip in his speech called upon the people to value and practice the good culture and traditions and also to foster better relationship with friends.
KUK first president L. Noklem also spoke on the occasion. KUK president P. Longang delivered presidential address. Cultural presentations and Aoleang feast marked the occasion.
