Nagaland Minister for Higher & Technical Education, Temjen Imna Along Longkumer being welcomed at the cultural extravaganza held at Süngkotenem Park, Mopungchuket village on January 29. (Morung Photo)
Temjen Imna Along graces Cultural Extravaganza at Mopungchuket village
Morung Express News
Mopungchuket | January 29
Nagaland Minister for Higher & Technical Education, Temjen Imna Along Longkumer said today that loss of language, culture and tradition among the indigenous people of the North East was so alarming that it is threatening their distinct identities and called upon the Naga people to preserve and promote their unique culture to safeguard their identity.
He also added that India was a vast country with 1.2 billion people and that the Government of India would continue to pass Bills into laws in the best interest of the country, making a subtle reference to the hotly debated CAB. He went on to add that regardless of what Bills the Indian Parliament may pass or not, Nagas stand to lose their identity if they do not preserve their cultural heritage and customary practices. He said this while speaking at a cultural extravaganza held at Süngkotenem Park, Mopungchuket village under Mokokchung district as special guest.
The minister, who was on his maiden official visit to the village, appreciated the Mopungchuket villagers for preserving their tradition and culture and added that Nagas in various platforms talk about preserving their culture but seldom put the words into practice. He further made a clarion call to the Ao community to “come back to the villages” so that not only their culture is preserved but the villages also progress. The minister lauded the Mopungchuket villagers for leading the way in putting the required efforts to preserve and promote Naga culture and traditions while also expressing his admiration for the day’s venue, the Süngkotenem Park.
Other highlights of the cultural extravaganza included folk love songs, cultural dances by Tazü Lenden Mopungchuket and Arküm Mongsenyimti, folk song by the “Rutilar Rogo” or wives of Mopungchuket village elders as well as a special folk song by the Mongsenyimti Village Council and short speeches by Mongsenyimti and Japu village elders which was followed by a mass feast. The cultural extravaganza was held after the “Alisümang Liden Anempong Südok” programme that was held earlier in the morning, a traditional practice that has strong bearings on the traditional village administrative system of Mopungchuket.
