KOHIMA, AUGUST 15 (DIPR): Eleven members of the historic 1961 cultural troupe attended the Independence Day celebrations at the State level function held at the Secretariat Plaza this morning.
34 members of the Dzulhami village dance troupe has participated at the Indian Republic Day celebration in New Delhi in 1961 representing the Naga Hills and Tuensang Areas that later came to be called as Nagaland. Thirteen members are still alive and eleven of them attended the programme, namely, Zuneyi Shijo, Muleyi Shijo, Mucheyi Nyekha, Vetsulhu Shijo, Poprunu Shijo, Veduyi Ringa, Sokhruyi Ringa, Chekhwutso Naroh, Vechoyi Naroh, Rudyi Vasa and I Mulhapru Ringa.
The occasion in 1961 was graced by Her Majesty, the Queen of England, Elizabeth II as chief guest. During the cultural display from different states, apparently the Queen was impressed by the folk/cultural dance performed by the Dzulha Cultural Troupe that she was said to have requested them to perform again. The troupe reportedly secured second position for their performances and the Trophy was reportedly kept in DC’s Office Kohima by then DC, Kohima Lt. Haldipur.
The Dzulha Cultural Troupe had the rare honour of attending a dinner party hosted by then Prime Minister of India, Jawahar Lal Nehru where Veduyi Ringa presented a headgear to the Prime Minister. They also had the opportunity to have a photo session with His Excellency, the President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
