How representing Naga tribes’ cultures as one whole can enrich people

KOHIMA, MAY 10: There are myriad and diverse tribes among the Naga peoples, each with own customs, dialects and traditions. While there could be differences between them, the truth that all of them comprise the identity of being Naga itself should be the basis of unity and common growth, students were told recently.

The Post Graduate Students’ Union of Nagaland University celebrated their 14th annual culture day, dubbed the ‘Coloridos Fest,’ with the theme ‘celebrating ethnicity’ on Tuesday at the State Academy Hall in Kohima town.

MK Mero, the Commissioner & Secretary for Veterinary & Animal Husbandry, was the chief guest; Prof PardeshiLal, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University was the guest of honor for the event.

In his address, Mero defined ‘ethnicity’ as the cultural background of a person or a group of people who share similar cultures, traditions, customs and practices. The official emphasized on the need for the Naga to identify their-selves as Naga, no matter to which tribe one could belong.

Saying that the various tribes of the Naga community share the same culture, cultural heritage and common history, he asserted that the people as a whole should unite to ‘push for greater heights.’ Though there might be problems with different tribes inhabiting a society, Mero said that the Naga people should focus on unity and preserve their ‘ethnic’ cultures, and promote them as a whole no matter what differences exist between them. ‘Our culture is unique and we should be proud of our heritage,’ he said.

Appreciating the various and diverse traditions of the Naga, Mero also maintained that traditions that are ‘not good anymore’ should be done away with. However, he also pointed out that the originality of “our good traditions and attires” needs to be preserved ‘not forgetting the cultural background and traditions.’

Also appreciating the rich traditional attires of the tribal communities, with each tribe having their unique motifs, Mero emphasized on their preservation; urged on the need for the people to come up with innovative ideas by incorporating traditional motifs and patterns in modern clothing.

This representation can be used universally and commercially-marketed within and outside the state, he said.

‘By modernizing our cultures, the Nagas’ diverse traditions and customs can be preserved, and also create opportunities for the people of the state,’ he said.

The bureaucrat talked about unemployment crisis in Nagaland. He said that the government was ‘over employed with more than 45 thousand employees.’ There is no avenue or opportunity in the government sector any more, Mero said. Students need to create avenues and opportunities for themselves, he said and maintained that only the ones who are determined and labor intensively will succeed in life.

In his address, Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof PardeshiLal expressed fascination for the Naga peoples’ way of entertaining guests and visitors which he said was full of with warmth and love. The culture shows the Naga community’s giving nature.

Appreciating the good traits of the Naga, Prof Lal said that the most attractive feature of the community was their tradition of having ‘morung’ (dormitories) which he said signified the commonalities of the Naga people ‘with little difference.’

Another ‘good aspect’ he said was their way of delivering justice–every tribe has their own customary courts. ‘The kind of duty these customary courts are performing, and people’s obligation to follow the decision is impressive,’ said Prof Lal.

‘This, in fact, is something very important which is keeping the integrity of the tribe intact to evident strength…the Naga society deserves to celebrate it because it not only has a very honest society but solves multiple problems which also manifest the sense of brotherhood among the people.’

Deeply appreciating the Naga people for their regard and respect to women, Prof Lal said the feature is ‘very difficult to find in any society even in modern society or developed society.’ He also appreciated the fact that Naga society also sees to it that women excel.

Stressing on the importance of preserving cultures, Prof Lal asserted that ‘the cultures and customs of a society, taking the entire gamut of the culture the society is following, will not grow without appreciating and making a mention of the same.’

‘One’s traditions and cultures is a link to one’s originality,’ he said.

This understanding can remind one that positive traditions are ‘precious and must continue whatever circumstances that might come.’ ‘Continue with basic values as a society and celebrate the rich culture of the Nagas,’ Prof Lal added.