‘Culture gives society its identity’

Kohima, September 13: Director of Art & Culture, Vevo Sapu said culture plays an important role not only in promotion of economic growth but also in sustaining the physical environment, preserving family values and protecting civil institutions in the society, adding culture also encourages individuals and communities to strive for artistic expressions and thereby enhancing creativity in the society. Sapu was addressing the gathering at the 2nd Cultural Day 2016 of the Capital College of Higher Education (CCHE) as the guest speaker on September 13 at the State Academy Hall, Kohima. Stressing on the importance of cultural identity, he said culture gives a society its identity adding it is through culture expressions that societies are identifiable and henceforth society’s makes efforts to preserve its particular cultural heritage by transmitting it from one generation to other.Sapu said tribal identification by means of facial markings has lost its validity especially in the present moves to detribalise people and strive for national unity. Terming our rich linguistic diversity as a precious asset, he said its reduction will diminish the reservoir of knowledge and tools for creative thinking and communication. Expressing resentment over the fast disappearance of many languages, Sapu suggested that grammar, lexicons, texts and recordings be prepared before it disappears completely. Sharing views on present context, he said due to availability and easy access to factory produced goods, traditional essential items made from bamboo have almost been replaced in all homes. While pointing out that a handful of expert craftsmen with highly developed skills do exist and produce extremely refined modified items, he was saddened to observe that all such skilled experts of knowledge are diminishing very fast. He said Art & Culture Department has come out with the intent to revive the traditional knowledge of basketry by organising workshops for school children in all the districts. To generate interest and pass on those knowledge and skills amongst the younger generation, he said workshops and training programmes will be introduced into the educational curricular, Museum activity, youth camps etc. He said this will not only foster appreciation and support from others but would stimulate public awareness on the importance of heritage dissemination through education. Urging the students to utilised artistic talent to promote the rich cultural heritage and strengthen cultural values, Sapu encouraged the students to spread the message of love and peace through their artistic talents. The 2nd Cultural Day 2016 of the Capital College of Higher Education (CCHE) held on the theme “Blending into the roots” was also marked by folk songs, fusion show, play, skit, cultural dances, wrestling exhibition, demonstration of traditional games, and western tune. The event was compered by Lululu Khesoh and Tito Chishi in the inaugural session, while Thujoto Nienu and Ketetula a cted as host during the second session. Earlier, Tatongkala Lemtur Lohe invoked God’s blessing, while Dr. Z Venuh, College vice principal, delivered welcome note. Eastern Naga students and Ratolu and co presented folk song, while a play on Ao Naga folkflore was presented by Ao students. Kuthosheyi Vero, social & cultural secretary of Students’ Council tendered words of gratitude and Zhopithilu, president of EU, pronounced the closing prayer. All major tribes of Nagaland showcased the rich cultural and traditional practices.