A cultural performance during the silver jubilee celebration of the AYO in Kigwema on November 4.
‘Kelhou Kevira’ - Angami Youth Organisation celebrates 25 years
Morung Express News
Kigwema | November 4
Under the theme ‘Kelhou Kevira,’ the Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) began its Silver Jubilee celebration on November 4 at Kholera, Kigwema. The first day of the celebration was graced by Lok Sabha MP Neiphiu Rio as the Chief Guest.
A brief introduction of AYO and the celebration theme was shared by Gonei-u Sirie, Convenor, Organising Committee who stated that AYO was initiated at the Kipfüzha, Kigwema to safeguard the Angami lands and the interest of its people. The main objective for the celebration is to plan for posterity, said Sirie, citing the four Es that AYO is focusing on in its 25 years of celebration - Economy, Education, Environment and Ethos. Sirie further urged the gathering to uphold the principles of AYO and to continue supporting the organisation so that it can lead people in the right way.
Nagaland MP, Neiphiu Rio meanwhile said that “the pride and confidence of a community, a clan or a nation is its youth. Our youth are our hope and our legacy,” while recalling the legacy and struggles of the elders.
Rio further stated that the Angami lands have been bestowed with rich topography, fertility and diverse flora and fauna.
Apart from the natural resources, Rio also cited the many privileges and opportunities that the Angamis have been blessed with, in terms of education, exposure to the outside world during the advent of the American missionaries and British colonialists. The MP however reminded that with great privilege also comes greater responsibility. “Our responsibility is greater because of the privileges we received,” said Rio.
He further highlighted the contribution of the Angamis to Naga history, and stated: “Recognizing our history is recognizing our identity, our culture, traditions and it is not wrong to demand for self determination. Others have recognized us because of our struggles, sacrifices and pain.”
Pointing out the significance of one’s stories, culture and history, the MP also stressed on the importance of the future as well. “The past history is important but the future is more important,” he said.
While acknowledging that the youth need to live with the good values and principles of their culture, he however also urged for a paradigm shift, whereby the elders also respect the views and the strength of the youth, whether in the family or the community.
Rio pointed out that the present world is creating wealth instead of waging war, which according to him is a greater weapon and likewise Nagas must generate wealth, and focus on self-sufficiency. The unlimited opportunity to generate employment in terms of business, trade, industries, entrepreneurship was highlighted by him.
Regarding employment, the MP lamented the obsession with government jobs in Naga society. While some are obsessed with government jobs, Rio also expressed concern at how young Nagas take pride in being jobless. “If you are doing nothing, you are good for nothing,” he said. “Unless, we change these frames of mind, our society will not progress. Let this 25 years celebration challenge you. Let us lead Nagas to a better future,” he encouraged.
Greetings on behalf of Southern Angami Public Organisation (SAPO) was delivered by Dr. Niketou Kiso, President, SAPO who hoped that the celebration would foster better relationships within the community and also strengthen its youth. T
he history of the formation of the AYO in the 1990s was shared by Kethozhapu Sahu, one of the former leaders of AYO. Sahu recalled that it took a long time for the Angami community to form its youth organisation because of the national movement where most of the Angami villages had dedicated its young men.
He added that even if a community has wealth and a large population, a firm and united youth is required. “Stand firm in truth and integrity, then you will have the support of the rest,” encouraged Sahu.
Medo Yhokha, President of the AYO meanwhile spoke on the significance of the celebration and hoped that through the commemoration, the community and its youth would work towards the unity of its people, safeguard its land and its air, instill good values among its young ones and most importantly safeguard and create a much better future for the generations to come.
