‘Festive season is a time to recall into one’s personal life’

Dimapur, Dec. 14: The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) Youth Organisation, Dimapur Region, celebrated advent Christmas at Urban Haat in Dimapur on Friday, Dec. 14.

Nagaland Legislative Assembly deputy speaker Zhaleo Rio, who was the special guest of the event, said that ‘the festive season is a time to recall into one’s personal life and to rededicate our commitment to our personal saviour, to think deeper and look beyond mere festivities.’

Rio said ‘Nagas like to call themselves as God’s chosen people and everyone professes to be Christians but take Christianity in a very casual manner; and for most Nagas, especially the youth, Christmas is being equated with food, new clothes, party and merrymaking and give more importance to materialistic things.’

He said that the real meaning of celebrating Christmas can be found in John 3:16 and that it is different from other tribal or traditional festivals.

The legislator called upon the NDPP party workers to take their responsibilities seriously and work with missionary zeal for uplift and welfare of the citizens as a whole. He also reminded them that they should acknowledge God’s blessings as the NDPP, though a new party, is leading the PDA government with its 18 elected MLAs in the 60-member assembly and trying its best to fulfil its electoral promises.

Rio assured that in the next two years, people will finally see good results in all spheres and reminded party workers to follow NDPP motto “Facto non verba” (Deeds not words). He affirmed that NDPP and the PDA government have committed to bring employment, development and women empowerment, and that it would be a shame if it does not work towards the fulfilment of its commitment.

The legislator also distributed gifts to children of Blind School, Notun Bosti in Dimapur.

Associate pastor of Dimapur Lotha Baptist Church, Yambemo Lotha quoted John 8: 12-15 in his Christmas message. He said that just like Jesus proclaiming “I am the light of the world,” every man and woman should also strive to be a “light” to others by spreading goodwill and peace.

President of NDPP Dimapur Region, Kughato S Aye highlighted various welfare activities the party in the district has undertaken in the last one year. He also called upon party workers to work with renewed commitment for people’s welfare.