Chizokho Vero
Pfutsero | November 27
In what can be termed as one of the best tribal festivals cum Youth Expo promoted by the government across the state, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today stressed on the need to preserve and strengthen our custom, culture and tradition.
Addressing the public at a well organised Runyie (Paddy festival) cum Youth Expo here in the presence of Minister for Health and Family Welfare Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, Minister for PHE Dr. Ngangshi Ao, Minister for Agriculture Chumben Murry, Parliamentary Secretaries Chotisuh Sazo and Naiba Konyak, MLAs Deo Nukhu and Neiba Kronu, Rio reiterated that the state’s government policy of organizing tribal festivals cum youth expo was to promote the rich culture and tradition of Nagas and also to help the youth to venture out to various disciplines.
He called on the youth to cultivate the habit of work culture so that they will reap the benefit in the future. Rio was pleased to see many changes and development taking place in and around Pfutsero and most importantly the human resources development which has drastically improved in the last few years.
He further lauded Naga lady Olympian Chekrovolu Swuro who belongs to the Chakhesang community.
The Chief Minister appreciated Phek district for producing good sport persons and bringing laurels to state. He called on the people to work with the government hand and hand so that more development and changes will be brought about in the district. He urged the youth to be sincere and to excel both in the field of education as well as sports discipline in order to get acknowledgement and recognition in one’s life.
Earlier, Rio unveiled a monolith of the upgraded the Pfutsero Sports Complex. The programme was chaired by Phek Deputy Commissioner, Nikhashe Sema while the welcome speech was delivered by Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO) President Sovenyi. State Planning Board (SPB) Deputy Chairman Neiba Kronu who is an elected representative from 16th Pfutsero Assembly Constituency said Runyie is one of the most important festivals of the Kuzhami Chakhesang community considering that rice is the staple food of the community.
He said Chakhesang community celebrates this festival to preserve and promote the rich culture and tradition also with a spirit of gratitude to God for bountiful harvest and seek God’s blessings for the years to come.
In the meantime, he thanked Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for his constant support to Chakhesang community in many ways and also acknowledged the Chakhesang Public Organization and various frontal organizations and the people of Pfutsero area for making the programme a grand success.
Later, MLA Deo Nukhu, Additional Chief Secretary & Development Commissioner Alemtemshi Jamir, Rozelle Mero and Neizulo Therie spoke at the youth interactive session.
The day long festivity was also marked by Music Festival, Runyie feast, exhibition cum sale and Miss Phek Beauty Pageant.
