Dimapur, October 13 (MExN): A team of 33 youth from Meghalaya who came to Nagaland as a part of youth cultural exchange programme concluded their trip today promising to carry forward each other cultures and traditions.
The team, which arrived on October 9 for a five-day stay as a part of cultural exchange programme organised by Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), interacted with different people and visited many places during their stay in Nagaland.
The Meghalaya team was led by Babira G Momim, Senior Coach, Dept. of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya.
According a NYKS press release, the National Youth Exchange Programme was inaugurated at SIRD, Kohima on October 9 where the Chief Guest Amenla S. Longchari (IAS) Secretary, Youth Resource and Sports, Nagaland noted that young people have enthusiasm and eagerness to learn different cultures and understand each other for a better and peaceful co-existence.
She further encouraged the young minds to be an agent of change where they have a great role to play in the process of nation building.
Welcoming the visitors, State Director NYKS, Nagaland Jackie Ruivah pointed out the uniqueness of the youth exchange program between the two states and said that it will be a bridge for a better communication and understanding between the two.
The team leader of the Meghalaya also apprised the audience with the main purpose and objective of their state government for initiation of the National Youth Festival.
On their arrival day on October 9, the youth from Meghalaya was given a day of learning exposure at Bambusa (Bamboo Resort) and Stone Park, under the Government of Nagaland and North-East Zone Cultural Center respectively.
It was undertaken with the objective to understand the rich traditional of the Tribals and the cultural activities of the different races in India, the release said. The participants were later taken to Khonoma-(Green village) to give them firsthand knowledge on the Naga livings styles of villagers, it added.
Beside the observing scenic beauty of the village and the church, they also got acquainted with the weapons used by the villagers during 2nd world war, and various forts. They also visited museum, Kohima War Cemetery, Kisama-Naga Heritage Village, Japfü Christian College, and Kigwema.
At a cultural exchange programme with Jakhama village youth, the visitors shared special Naga cuisines prepared by the village youth.
Apart from visiting various places, a day was set aside for various experiential learning with YouthNet officials, the release further informed.
During the same, they were learned about various projects taken forward for the cause of the youth such as Impact 5000/18, Nagaland Career Devt. Centre, Project Pork Chop, Centre for Excellence for Entrepreneurs, Youth Resource Centre, Inter-Collegiate competition/first cut etc, it said.
In the latter session, the two Naga young achievers - H. Shangai Konyak, a footballer with 2 golds and 3 silvers; and Keyinchigngbe Hega, a state Taekwondo player with national 3 golds, 1 silver, 1 bronze medals - addressed and encouraged the participants, it added.
In the closing function, Velii-o Shijo, Addl. Director, SIRD, Kohima encouraged the youth to carry forward the rich cultural heritage of both states as North East have very rich cultures and traditions.
Sharing of each other culture always broaden one’s knowledge and view and without learning to appreciate each other culture we cannot live in unity, he said.
“Learning each other culture will bring better understanding and closeness,” Shijo added.
Jacky Ruivah, State Director, NYKS, Nagaland shared her view that all participants should carry forward the good will mission of spreading each good cultures and traditions.
The programme concluded with display of cultural presentation from Meghalaya team with special no. from a Naga youth Rukuvi Pucho. The programme was chaired by Poto Peter, while welcome address was given and vote of thanks was proposed by Rokosilei, NYK, Kohima.
On the departure Day, the participants were taken to Kohima Science College and Pulebadze for eco-trekking and sightseeing, informed the press release issued by NYK Kohima in-charge John Makhabo.
