Village should be centre of culture & good tradition: TR

Kuda village celebrates platinum jubilee

Morung Express News
Dimapur | December 17  

Kuda Village (formerly called Nagarjan village), one of the oldest Naga villages in the plains of Dimapur district, remembered its pioneers as the village celebrated its platinum jubilee on Saturday here at Kuda Village Baptist Church ground.  

Nagaland Chief Minister, TR Zeliang, who graced the celebration as chief guest, in his address said every village should be the centre of culture and good tradition, which is progressive and democratic.  

The chief minister said in olden times, the village was a refuge to the people, protection for the strangers and support to the neighbours in need. “Nowadays, in villages youths are not very familiar with the customary laws and practices. The tradition of respect for elders and their wisdom must not be ignored in any village and the age-old Naga customs of hospitality and goodwill must continue to flourish,” Zeliang said.  

Stating that the village council of elders was a circle of democracy and wisdom, Zeliang called for preservation of these ideals within the village where every citizen, rich or poor, will get justice.

He also said in the changing scenario, the Village Council plays a much bigger role today - the balancing between protecting our customs and at the same time following the modern rules of accountability, democracy as enshrined in the Village Council Act.  

“The VDB is the lifeline of the village. If funds are used judiciously, the village can develop and see great changes. Progressive changes have happened in the village working system through the VDB model rules which have been mandatory to have 25% seats reserved for women members and the same percentage of funds kept aside for women in the village for development programmes. These funds are to be managed by women themselves”, the chief minister said.  

Coming to the celebration, Zeliang said like the Israelites in the Old Testament, jubilees should be occasions for forgiving the wrongs of the past, restoring forfeited lands to the original landowners, and to free slaves.  

“All these were done with the objective to restore broken relationships and to build new relationships based on forgiveness and reconciliation,” he said.  

DC Dimapur, Kesonyu Yhome, the guest of honour, said while celebrating jubilees of establishment of villages, one area of concern was how to strike a fine balance between the glories of the past and challenges of a fast changing world. The DC stressed on the need to revive the institution of the Morung, which would not only increase dialogue between the elders and youth but also broaden the outlook of citizens and help shed off the parochial attitude of Naga society.  

Earlier, the chief minister unveiled the jubilee monolith and inaugurated the village council multi-purpose building. Zeliang also released the jubilee souvenir.   Minister for Social Welfare & Parliamentary Affairs, Kiyaneilie Peseyie, also addressed the celebration. A host of ministers, parliamentary secretaries and MLAs accompanied the chief minister.  

Chairman, Kuda Village Council, Achubu Meruno, who chaired the programme also delivered the welcome address; convenor, souvenir committee Savi Liegise, gave a report of ‘Kuda Village journey to 75 years’.  

Other highlights of the jubilee celebration included a minute silent prayer tribute to pioneers of Kuda village, platinum 75-gun salute by Kuda youth, jubilee feast and jubilee wrestling contest.