TR Zeliang and others during the 1st Tenyimi Youth Cultural Festival 2026 at Kisama on March 25. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 25
Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang on Wednesday called upon the youth to work towards uniting all kindred tribes of the Tenyimi community and leave behind a legacy that will be “etched in history.”
Addressing the afternoon session of the 1st Tenyimi Youth Cultural Festival 2026, organised by the Tenyimi Union Nagaland (TUN) at Kisama, he said, “Today’s event provides a much-needed platform for the Tenyimi family to come together and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood.”
Stating that TUN is more than a civil society organisation, Zeliang said, “It is, in essence, a family closely knit by blood. We are the descendants of ‘Tenyiu’, our ancestors, through whom the Tenyimi family continues to this day.”
“There may be attempts to portray the Tenyimi Union as just another organisation with political or other agendas. However, our culture and traditions stand as a powerful testament to our identity as kindred people,” he said.
Highlighting shared heritage, he added, “The similarities in our dialects, lifestyle, food habits, traditional attire, and overall way of life clearly reflect our shared roots.”
Describing the festival as a significant step towards unity, the Deputy Chief Minister said it would help bridge existing gaps among the tribes.
He also called upon the Angami community to continue extending leadership and support to other Tenyimi groups. Referring to historical influences, he said the spread of Christianity in Angami areas played a key role in disseminating knowledge through Tenyidie, which benefited several Tenyimi tribes, including in educational contexts.
Drawing parallels, Zeliang noted that the Aos had a similar influence in ENPO areas, where many from older generations learned the Ao dialect, adding that the Angami community has long acted as an “elder brother” to other Tenyimi groups.
Referring to a report by retired IAS officer Khrielie Kevichusa, who headed the Committee on Job Reservation in 2010, Zeliang quoted, “The ones who have had a head start in a running race always have the advantage.”
“In today’s context, we look forward to your continued support and guidance, particularly in matters concerning the welfare and upliftment of smaller and less advanced tribes,” he said, adding, “If we stand by one another and care for each other as one family, our bonds will only grow stronger and our shared sense of brotherhood will deepen further.”
Stressing the importance of preserving heritage, he said, “If we can preserve our history in written form, the younger generation will be better equipped to carry forward the legacy of our ancestors,” while calling for research and documentation of Tenyimi roots.
Tenyimi people united by shared heritage: TUN president
Earlier in the morning session, TUN president Kekhwengulo Lea said Tenyimi people are spread across different parts of the Northeast.
“Though we live in different states, we are united by our shared cultural heritage that we inherited from our ancestors,” he said.
Lea noted that the Tenyimi People’s Organisation (TPO) represents all Tenyimi people across geographical boundaries but may not be able to address every local issue. He said the need for a common platform within Nagaland led to the formation of TUN.
“It was with this sole intention that TUN was conceived — to foster better understanding among the Tenyimi tribes in Nagaland, to recommit ourselves to maintain peace, harmony, and mutual respect, and to preserve, promote, and undertake research on Tenyimi culture and history,” he said.
He added that TUN represents Tenyimi tribes in Nagaland — Angami, Chakhesang, Rengma, Pochury and Zeliang — and serves as a unifying platform.
“Let this occasion further strengthen the bond of the Tenyimi family and inspire us to stand united as a strong pillar for a peaceful, progressive, and united Naga society,” Lea said.
