Aya Shimray
Ukhrul | December 17
Despite the creation of Nagaland State, the aspirations of the larger Naga communities scattered in the other parts of NE and Burma have never been honored, said Mani Charenamei, MP (Outer Manipur) while speaking as Chief Guest at the Cultural function of the Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (Tangkhul Students’ Union) TKS Platinum Jubilee celebration being held at Ukhrul from 14-17th December 2007. He added that by separating the Nagas, the cherished wish of the Nagas has been betrayed and that until the ‘fragmented’ areas of the Naga ancestral land are brought under a single administrative roof, the Nagas can never be convinced that the GOI is genuinely concerned about the aspirations of the Nagas.
Mani Charenamei while dwelling on the Jubilee theme “Our Future, Our Responsibility”, articulated that the Nagas have set a clear vision and that it was a perfect point of time to exhibit people’s determination and commitment to the cause. It is time we pursue an ‘inclusive’ policy towards our neighbours, he said.
Earlier, in his address, while terming globalization as an irreversible process, he called India’s Look East Policy (LEP) as its offshoot. He cautioned that unless we are prepared to consistently guard against its onslaught, our culture, our identity, our future could be at stake in the face of the grueling face of globalization. While expressing his happiness at the various efforts made by Nagas to preserve its art & culture, dresses and ornaments etc, he lamented at the fact that the old cultural values, virtues and ethos are diminishing, making it so vulnerable to cultural invasion.
The 3 day long TKS 75 extravaganza ended this evening with the declaration and endorsement of ‘TKS Vision 100’. Later during the day, thousands throng in the Tangkhul Naga Long ground, Ukhrul to witness a variety of cultural items from various cultural troupes and folk renditions from the renowned Naga folk blue guru, Reuben Mashangva and a host of artistes.
Brig PS. Mander, DIG, B Range, who turned up to attend the cultural regale urged the people to support and strengthen the ongoing Indo-Naga peace process. The Valedictory session, chaired by Artax A. Shimray, drew a huge convergence of people from various walks of life in an event marked by ‘Down Memory Lane’ - a rendezvous with music by K. Wungchan, (the name who not only ruled AIR but became everyone’s heartthrob), presentations to all the former student leaders of TKS and a special Recognition award to distinguished individuals who have made an impact on Tangkhul society in various fields.
However, the high point was the declaration of a vision statement, ‘TKS Vision 100’. The TKS 75 band, a collaboration of Tangkhul artistes continued to steal the show with its blend of music.
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