Minister Salhoutuonuo Kruse along with others during the 50th Games & Sports Meet 2025 of Mima Youth Organization at Mima Village, Kohima on January 13. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express news
Kohima | January 13
Minister for Women Resources Development and Horticulture, Government of Nagaland, Salhoutuonuo Kruse has asserted that our culture is our identity and forgetting our culture will be like losing our own identity.
Speaking at the 50th Games & Sports Meet 2025 of the Mima Youth Organization (MYO) which got underway today at Mima village, Kruse said, “even if we learn to speak English today and forget our own mother tongue, people will not say we are Englishmen.” She expressed that knowing our own mother tongue and language is a way to preserve our own culture and showcase our Naga identity at large.
Apart from that, the Minister also encouraged the attendance to preserve and practice our traditions which maybe in the form of our customs, attires, dialects etc. These, she said may differ or have slight variations from tribe to tribe or region to region among the tribe or even among villages.
Kruse asked them to look at this difference and be attuned with all these customs and practices that are associated with our cultures and traditions.
She spoke that today, as opposed in the past the notion of might of right should be reversed to loving and embracing one's neighbours as oneself which will enable goodwill and unity to prevail among one another.
Speaking about the benefits of sports, she said it is not only beneficial for our physique but mentally keep us fit and active. Apart from that, Kruse added that sports is associated with interacting with people which in turn enhances our social skills and builds discipline of the individual.
“A person engaged in sports brings good name, sense of unity and togetherness,” the Speaker said.
For instance, internationally sports and games like Olympics or World Cup are not confined to one nationwide one political ideology or region, but bring nations together from different diversity.
She encouraged sportsmen and youths to participate with zeal and enthusiasm while sharing that the Government of Nagaland led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has been farsighted to develop and built state of the art infrastructure and opportunities for the youths to nurture their talents in sports.
She said these opportunities are being undertaken to provide platform for youths to unskill and train themselves to participate and compete in the national and international sporting events.
Highlighting on promoting Nagaland bee and honey by the village, Kruse expressed and acknowledged the village for being a forerunner in taking the bee mission in the state relentlessly and with consistency.
Kruse also extended jubilee greetings to the village and said that jubilee brings blessing while calling jubilee goers to renew and build relationships among each other. 8
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Zeneikho-o Pfükha and Mhaphruovilie Livi, President, MYO delivered presidential address and Kamo Leno, Chairman, Mima Village Council. The vote of thanks was delivered by Vilapra Rülu.
Highlights of the event included lighting of Jubilee torch, oath taking, display of mascot, jubilee flags, contingent March, flag hoisting along with presentation of instrumental anthem. During the event, games and sports including athletic, groups and wrestling will be held.
The event will culminate on January 17.
