Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma speaks during the inauguration of the Mao Students Union’s Makhel Heritage Conclave on December 28.
Meghalaya CM inaugurates MSU’s Makhel Heritage Conclave
Senapati, December 28 (MExN): The Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma on December 28 inaugurated the Mao Students Union’s (MSU) Makhel Heritage Conclave commemorating its 88th anniversary and conference under the theme, “Rekindling our Heritage.”
Speaking as the chief guest, Sangma lauded the student body on the occasion and stressed on the importance of balancing both the politics and culture with one’s identity, to remember one’s grass root which he believed for economic growth with one’s cultural identity.
As per a press release, the Chief Minister said that India’s biggest strength and challenge is the youth of the nation.
If India could divert the energy and channelise the youth in a constructive manner, it could become India’s greatest strength, else it could turn to destructive force for the nation, he noted.
In this connection, he called for policy making aimed at ensuring the channelisation of the youth’s energy by moulding, cultivating and directing them positively into constructive work.
Policy focusing on youth is very important and the ongoing MSU’s conference could be another example of proper channelisation of the youth to make them productive, Sangma maintained.
Having attained 88 years of existence, he urged to make the youth as productive and guiding them in the right sectors.
The youth of the North-East especially the tribals should also come out beyond reservation mindset to compete with the rest of the world in order to have a competitive mindset, he added.
In his presidential address, Marikho O’Leriina, President, MSU stated that the event is a homecoming event.
Founded in the year 1933, the MSU during its 88 years of existence rendered remarkable services to the people and has had been playing an important role in refining and shaping the future of the young generations, he said.
The torch of wisdom led by the pioneers had withstood the sense of time and stands tall and stronger and village signifies to trace the root where several Naga tribes and other communities traced their origin, O’Leriina noted.
“It is an inclusive heritage to welcome all those who have traced their origins at Makhel,” the president added.
Protect noble culture, eliminate bad practices: NSF President
The Naga Students Federation (NSF) President, Kegwayhun Tep in his greetings said that the Nagas have come a long way as food gatherers and head hunters, conquering great distances over hills and plains.
Culture is the way of life where it binds the people together through a common identity as distinct people as Nagas, he stated, further urging them to “adapt, evolve and push ourselves beyond one’s limitation if one wish to progress in tune with the rest of the world.”
One must understand that culture is not static, it evolves as human develops. It creates and develop identity which is important that one does not remain prisoner of one’s own culture, Tep noted.
He however said that one must endeavour to protect all that one has in one’s culture by promoting to great heights whatever is noble while making every effort to eliminate those practices “which are against human’s basic principles and those practices which lose down one’s social economic progress even if it has been practised for centuries.”
It is said that the easiest way to destroy the heritage of the people is when the youth starts to neglect its tradition, culture and values all the time, the student leader further noted.
As a student and youth residing in Naga homeland and beyond by default, every youth is stated to be the ambassador of the people who shoulders the responsibility of building both national and international perspective towards the people, culture and identity, he added.
Y Joykumar Singh, Deputy Chief Minister, Manipur, who was the the special guest on the occasion also called for giving importance to one’s culture and heritage.
He also acknowledged development of Mao tribe in many fields and maintained that until and unless human resource is developed and extend a helping hand for each other, society cannot develop.
It is known fact that the Meitei from their folklore has also originated from the Makhel, he noted.
Calling for living together and helping each other to develop a society, Singh stated that the NE India should be united in every field not just at a time of trouble but should cherish the good things one has.
He further urged the youths to refrain from drugs or any intoxicant for good health and sound mind, and also regretted the on the wrong concept of many that indulgence in sports could distract one’s study.
Few minutes of sports could inspire one’s study, Singh said, citing his own experience.
Also speaking on the occasion, Manipur PHED Minister L Dikho called the day as a historic one with the presence of Meghalaya Chief Minister and called it an important event to preserve one’s culture and traditions and of historical significance by bringing the people together.
He further expressed hope that such conference held at heritage village could continue to bring blessing to all.
N Kayisü, MLA, 49-Tadubi, who is also the state President of the National People’s Party (NPP), also lauded Sangma for always aiming to bring development in the NE and urged the gathering learn from him, the release added.
