Angami women urged to uphold traditional values, promote mother tongue

KOHIMA — Angami women were urged to preserve and promote the age-old good practices of their ancestors and their mother tongue among other things during the Krutamiapfü Kethezie Kehou (leaders thanksgiving conclave) organised by the Angami Women Organisation (AWO) at RCEMPA in Jotsoma on Wednesday with former presidents as speakers.

The president of Angami Public Organisation (APO), Theja-o Vihienuo, delivered greetings and acknowledged the pioneers of AWO, recalling their contributions to the Angami community. He commended them for continuing to work towards the betterment of society.

Ruokuoheü Miachieo, a former president of AWO, emphasised the need to uphold and revive the age-old practices passed down through generations. She also underscored the importance of encouraging children to prepare for competitive examinations and to be diligent in their lives.

She highlighted the need to return to the practices of agriculture, animal husbandry and business in order to foster hard working culture and self-sufficiency. She also emphasised the role of women in inculcating these traits.

Kevinourhenuo Seyie, another former president of AWO, expressed delight at the progress made by Angami women over the years. However, she expressed concern about the latest data showing Nagaland’s prevalence of HIV/AIDS as the second highest in the country with an alarming rate among pregnant women. She stressed the need to address this issue with special emphasis.

Pointing out the brokenness prevailing in families and society, she asserted the need to bridge gaps, which she attributed largely to communication breakdowns. She further emphasised the role of women in this regard and suggested the need to conduct seminars and awareness programmes for women, which according to her it essential for societal progress.

Medovino Phizo, another former president of AWO, expressed concern about the diminishing trend of losing one’s language and stressed the need to promote it, stating that it is the identity of the people. She emphasised the role of mothers in teaching children their native language.

Phizo also stressed the importance of promoting the habit of wearing traditional dresses and wearing them properly. She further urged the Angami women to remain steadfast in Jesus Christ, living their lives with love and to pray for their children and the nation.

Eighty-three-year-old Kereilhouviu Kire, a former president, in her message, recalled the circumstances that led to the formation of the organisation, which was to safeguard and fight for the rights of women, combat substance abuse and restore peace in the land, among other objectives.

She called upon the Angami women to remain firm in their age-old good practices, which she termed as the pride and prestige of women and priceless treasures that need to be passed on for posterity.

Ninety-seven-year-old Neisevoü Kirha, another former president of AWO, in her message, pointed out the changing times in present society and stressed the need for the Angami community to remain steadfast in their values, which have sustained them thus far.

Noting the availability of locally produced items, handlooms and textiles, Kirha underscored the need to promote them with reasonable prices. She further stressed to promote the language and traditional dresses are the identity of the community.

Neilhuzono Nagi, advisor of AWO and another former president, also emphasised the need to promote one’s mother tongue, insisting that it should start from home. She also emphasised the importance of educating children about traditional items and their significance.

Neithono R Sothu, president of AWO, led the programme and commended the work done by the pioneers over the years and informed that the programme was organised to seek the advice of past leaders.

She also informed that seminars would be organised to discuss and raise awareness on topics concerning women in the days to come.

The general secretary’s report was presented by Shyien Vihienuo, who informed that AWO was formed in 1980.

Songs were presented by AWO incumbent officials, Western Angami Women Organisation (WAWO), Southern Angami Women Organisation (SAWO) and Northern Angami Women Organisation (NAWO).

During the programme, Rev. Zakiebeinyu Peseyie offered the invocation prayer.

The programme was also attended by representatives from APO, Angami Students’ Union (ASU) and the Angami Sports’ Association (ASA).