Longtrok Senden Ungma wins 41st Sobaliba Saya

Morung Express News
Ungma | August 1

Longtrok Senden Ungma emerged winners of the 41st Sobaliba Saya, a cultural display competition organised by Longtrok Senden Ungma in collaboration with the North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC), Dimapur.

The event was held at Yimtsungda Arok Sabang, Ungma Village, on the evening of July 31.

Oriental Club Ungma and Salukum Rogo secured the first and second runners-up positions respectively. The competing groups were judged on attire, tribal call, dance, drum beat and song.

A total of ten clubs from Ungma Village participated in the annual cultural folk dance competition. The Longtrok Senden Mothers' Group presented special cultural items, while students of Fazl Ali College Students’ Union showcased diverse Naga heritage.

Chairman of the Development Authority of Nagaland, Dr Watizulu Suzumeren Jamir, graced the occasion as chief guest. Addressing the gathering, he urged the younger generation to learn and practise their rich cultural traditions, saying that people who do not know their roots risk losing their identity despite material success.

He cautioned that the growing influence of digital media could draw young people towards Western culture and create a hybrid culture that distances them from their ancestral heritage. Calling upon the youth to embrace and preserve their traditions, Dr Jamir warned that cultural practices could face extinction if they are not carefully safeguarded.

He also lauded Longtrok Senden Ungma for its efforts to help the younger generation understand and carry forward Ao culture and legacy.

Guest of honour Oliver Temsu Pongen, Deputy Director of NEZCC under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, thanked the organisers for conducting the programme for the 41st time. He said the continued programme reflected the community’s dedication and commitment to preserving its cultural traditions.

Pongen said such cultural events recall the community’s history, values, language, customs, folk songs, dances and the wisdom handed down by forefathers. He stressed that preserving this heritage and passing it on to younger generations was a shared responsibility.

Expressing happiness over the participation of child artistes in the folk dances, he said encouraging children to learn and perform traditional dances would ensure that the culture remained alive for generations. He also appreciated parents, teachers, trainers, the village council, tutors and elders for guiding young people in preserving their culture.

The primary aim of the annual Sobaliba Saya is to preserve Ao culture and tradition for future generations.