Governor of Nagaland, La Ganesan with Secretary to Governor, Rajesh Soundararajan and others during the release of special postal cover on Naga Back Basket on July 13 at Raj Bhavan, Kohima.
‘Naga back basket epitomizes hard work, responsibility of Naga women’
DIMAPUR, JULY 13 (MExN): Governor of Nagaland, La Ganesan on Thursday released a special postal cover on Naga Back Basket (NBB) at drawing room, Raj Bhavan, Kohima.
Releasing the postal cover, the Governor said a Naga Back Basket holds important relevance in the Naga society. He said it is used not just to carry water, firewood, rice or vegetables by the Naga women but it is also often gifted to a girl by her parents or by her parents or beloved as a sign of his love and affection.
The Governor stated that more often than not a women’s handwork and contributions to a family goes unappreciated. He said NBB is usually associated with a rural Naga woman while adding that it epitomizes hard work, responsibility and affection of the Naga women. He also appreciated the effort of the Department of Post, Government of India in releasing this special cover of the NBB which is a tribute to all Naga mothers and Naga women.
Illustrating on how the Naga people in the past weaved their baskets with cane or bamboo strips for domestic use, the Governor recalled that in the olden days there were no professional weavers and every man was proficient in basket making and wove for his family signifying economic independence and self sufficiency.
The Governor pointed out that Nagaland has a rich history of culture and tradition but with changing times, he rued that the younger generation were losing touch with traditional practices and values. He, at the same time, however expressed happiness that the Naga civil societies have tasked upon themselves to teach and revive the dying cultural practices and traditional arts.
The Governor also reminded that the importance of preserving and propagating one’s culture can never be overstated as it is one’s identity. He said the effort by the postal department in releasing of special cover on NBB will be a boost towards the preservation and promotion of culture and traditional practices.
Superintendent of Post Offices, Nagaland, L Tiken Singh, in his speech, said the initiative to release the special cover on NBB was done to popularize the handicrafts of Nagaland. He said this skill in basketry is an intrinsic part of everyday life of the Nagas. He pointed out how each tribe in Nagaland has a distinct style of basketry and locally available bamboo and cane are fashioned by them into varieties of baskets and containers.
He also shared that Nagaland Postal Division has released special cover on all the 4 GI tagged product of the State of Nagaland namely-Naga Mircha, Naga Tree tomato, Nagaland Sweet Cucumber and Chakhesang shawl.
The programme was attended by Secretary to Governor, Rajesh Soundararajan, officers and staff of Raj Bhavan and officials from the postal department.
