Wokha, November 4 (MExN): Team Metamorphosis, a non-governmental organization based at Wokha organized a one day seminar on ‘Cultural Renaissance’ at WDVCCA & WDVDBA Multipurpose Hall on November 3.
The seminar was attended by higher secondary and college students of Mt Tiyi College, Bailey Baptist College, Government Higher Secondary School, Libemo Memorial Higher Secondary School, Isaiah Ability Higher Secondary School, and Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Wokha, informed a press release from Team Metamorphosis on Friday.
During the seminar, resource person Thungjamo Odyuo, a retired government official who is also a poet, song composer, singer and a prolific fictional writer from Lotha Naga tribe and presently, the Director of Gift Ministry and Managing Director of Bethel Faith School, Seithekema -C, Chümoukedima, spoke on the topic ‘Yisanlan (Importance of mother tongue).’
He emphasized on the merits of knowing one’s own dialect which he regards as one of the greatest gift to the community- a gift which is irreplaceable, as languages and dialects form the basis of the tribal identity, the release stated. While preserving such uniqueness, he also encouraged the gathering to be proud of speaking one's own dialect and challenge everyone to learn speaking their own mother tongue fluently and correctly.
Another resource person R Zuchopeni Ezong, a retired Mukhya Sevika under Women Resource Development Department and two time President of the Lotha Eloe Hoho spoke on the topic ‘Oyokosen (Ornaments)’ and elaborated on the different types of ethnic ornaments like the necklace, earrings, head gears, etc., which she had preserved and collected since her younger days. She explained its origins, how to wear them correctly and also the right usages according to the seasons and occasions.
The third resource person Thungbeni Ngullie, retired Deputy Director, Rural Development and the incumbent President of Lotha Eloe Hoho shared on the different types of attires for both the Lotha boys and girls. As an active member of the Renchen Woman Welfare Society (RWWS) Wokha, she highlighted most of the attires from the documentation that the Society had published through PowerPoint presentation.
Meanwhile, C Zumomo Tsanglao born from a chief clan (Pvuti tsorui) and presently the chairperson of Elumyo Village spoke on the topic ‘Yantsso Motsu (Establishment of a New Village).’ He explained in details how the ancestors conducted different rituals when a new village is established and also deliberated on the power and function of the village chief (Angh) once a new village was established.
The students present were greatly benefited as such kind of seminars was of its first kind for many of them, the release stated.
Earlier, the programme was moderated by Thungchibemo Humtsoe and Achanbeni M Kikon while a welcome note was delivered by N Yanpothung Ezung, Finance Secretary TM.
Yentsao Ezung, Asst pastor, WTBC invoked God's presence and Orenthung Tungoe, Pastor, Spirit of Faith Church, Wokha pronounced the benediction. M James Tungoe, President, Team Metamorphosis gave the vote of thanks.
As per the release, Team Metamorphosis has also been engaged in reviving and promoting cultures and traditions through music and indigenous games for many years. It was set up in 2005 and is a government Registered Societies since 2008 and has been working for the uplift of the poor and destitute in the rural and urban area of Nagaland. It was also awarded a Governor Gold Medal in 2016 and the Team is, at present, assisting the PHED Wokha as Implementing Support Agency (ISA) for the JJM Project in the Wokha district.
