DVD cover photo of the film ‘Yadensang and Kajepsangla’
Dimapur, May 11 (MExN): Age has not stopped Sademmeren Longkumer from doing what he loves most- sharing his deep knowledge on Naga culture and tradition with others. The octogenarian from Ungma village, after writing over a dozen books in Ao dialect, today released his first documentary film based on a folktale of the Ao tribe. The 126 minutes film ‘Yadensang and Kajepsangla,’ was released at a small function at the North East Zone Culture Centre (NEZCC) complex in Dimapur.
Temjen Jamir, editor of Ao vernacular newspaper Tir Yim Yim was the chief guest at the screening of the documentary. Jamir said that the great energy exuberated by Longkumer is an inspiration for everyone to follow. He said that it reminds people about just how much they can do. Jamir pointed out that Nagas today are failing in their duty to preserve and promote culture. He said that forefathers gave importance to folklores and it has passed down from generation to generation. Therefore, he reminded that it is the responsibility of all Nagas to pass it down to their children. “If we don’t we are failing in our duty,” he said.
He added that it is good to know Nagas are not only penning down their rich oral tradition but also visually documenting it. He said that if the rich Naga folklores are protected and passed on to future generation then the moral strength and courage of our children will be strong. “It takes a lot more than academic education to make a man of honour,” he said.
Director NEZCC, Som Kamei, applauding Longkumer his contribution to Naga art and culture said that, he is an asset not only for Ungma village but Nagas as a whole. He said that his efforts are laudable and his deep knowledge about Naga folktales has helped preserve Naga culture.
Sademmeren Longkumer was born in 1927 at Ungma village. He served as a primary teacher from 1948 to 1985. He was also the headmaster of National Primary School in Ungma from 1953 to 1955. He takes keen interest in the field of art and culture and has participated in various socio-cultural programmes in the country. In 2003, he was conferred the Governor’s Award by the State government for his contribution to Ao Naga literature and folklores. He has written several books in Ao dialect, out of which six books have been published and one documentary based on a folktale released today. Longkumer is also a Guru at the Guru Shiksha Parampara programme of the NEZCC at Ungma village.
‘Yadensang and Kajepsangla’ is a love story based in Chungliyimti village in Mokokchung district. Yadensang and Kajepsangla are in love and wish to get married. However, Kajepsangla is from a wealthy family and her parents are ruler of the village. They oppose her marriage to Yadensang. The lovers are unable to separate and decide to end their life by drowning together in the river. However, at the last moment, Yadensang changes his mind and decides to push his lover into the river to die alone. By luck she survives to tell the story of deceit and betrayal of her lover. The documentary is produced by Longkumer with assistance from NEZCC under the Guru Shiksha Parampara programme.
