Tenyimis have no design to take on other Nagas: Dr. Shürhozelie

Tenyimi Students Union Dimapur 6th fresher’s meet cum cultural day held

Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 23  

President of Ura Academy and former chief minister, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, MLA, today said ‘Tenyimi’ is a “natural institution”, a “family” comprising of Naga sub-tribes who share a common root and cultural affinity.  

And whether the Tenyimi sub-tribes like it or not or whether they quarrel amongst themselves, they will remain as Tenyimis for all time to come, Shürhozelie said in his address as chief guest at the 6th fresher’s meet cum cultural day of the Tenyimi Students Union Dimapur (TSUD) held at Jotsoma Community Hall, Kuda Village.  

Shürhozelie said there may be misconception among other Naga tribes that ‘Tenyimi’ is a block or association formed to oppose other tribes or associations, but he clarified that the Tenyimis have no designs or programme to take on or compete other Nagas, whether politically or in any other fields.  

He said Nagas are very fond of forming societies or associations and in recent years too there has been a spurt in number of tribal associations. He however said that unlike unions or associations which can be dissolved or disbanded, Tenyimi as a nomenclature would continue as it is not an association but a denotes a group of Naga sub-tribes who share common ancestry and culture.  

Highlighting on some activities of Ura Academy, the veteran regionalist said the academy is primarily a literary and cultural society for development and promotion of Tenyidie language and also preservation of Tenyimi culture and tradition.  

Shürhozelie said since setting up of Ura Academy by the American missionaries way back in 1939, the academy has come a long way and presently Nagaland University has post graduate course in Tenyidie as well as offering doctorate course. He also informed that the academy was trying its best to include Tenyidie in the 8th Schedule of the India Constitution.  

Further, the chief guest exhorted the youth to start cultivating the positive traits of Tenyimi forefathers like respect for elders, honesty, hard work and integrity.  

President, Tenyimi Union Dimapur, Khalo Kapfo and Prof. D Kuolie also exhorted the students. Earlier, president TSUD, Azo Wetsah, delivered presidential address. SDO, PWD (R&B), Er. Vimete Pusa, graced the second session, which witnessed cultural extravaganza, as guest of honour.