Limayanger Jamir conferred ‘Guru’ title for contribution to Ao folk arts

MOKOKCHUNG — Limayanger Jamir, a tatar from Ungma village, has been honoured with the prestigious ‘Guru’ title under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

With this conferment, Limayanger Jamir becomes the sixth individual from Ungma to receive the Guru title for ‘Ao folk song and dance’ under the Shishya Parampara Scheme of the North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC), Dimapur.

Born on May 21, 1960, to Late Takutiba, Jamir was steeped in Ao traditions and culture from early childhood at the age of eight, he was deeply influenced by his grandfathers, who were well-versed in Ao cultural heritage.

Raised in a family where music and culture were inseparable from daily life, Jamir developed a passion for Ao performing arts. “There was no compromise from my side when it comes to cultural performances; there was a passion and a zeal in me to learn more and to take pride in the cultural ethics and tradition of our forefathers,” he said.

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He trained under Guru Sangyusang Pongen, a Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee and recipient of the Governor’s Award for Distinction in the field of Music. Pongen expressed immense pride in his student’s achievement, calling it a proud moment for both mentor and disciple.

Jamir said, “Today I feel fully equipped and confident to teach any youth eager to learn our rich cultural heritage – our folk songs, dances, folklore, ethos, and history. I am ready at any time to pass on everything I have inherited from our elders.”

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He currently mentors four dedicated students and one secretary in regular weekly classes while also guiding Club of 50-plus members. Stressing the timeless relevance of culture, he reminded the younger generation, “No matter how many degrees you earn, your culture remains your true identity.”

The Guru stressed that the title is not a personal or village-level achievement but a responsibility towards the entire Ao community to safeguard and transmit the priceless legacy to the next generation. “This honour opens wider platforms to showcase and teach Ao culture,” he added.

An active member of the Naga Wadir Cultural Club, Jamir founded the Watemdang Cultural Club in 2007. He has performed in both state and national cultural exchange programmes.

Under his leadership, the troupe has performed at prestigious state and national events, clinching numerous awards. He has mentored countless school students, assisted researchers studying Ao traditions and cultures both in India and abroad, and frequently served as guest speaker and judge at cultural programmes.

A conferral programme was held at his residence in Ungma on December 1. Guru Pongen presented a special tribute song in Jamir’s honour, while representatives of Ungma Village Council extended warm felicitations, stating that the honour belongs to the entire Ao community.

Tatar Imtidongba Jamir urged the new Guru to treat every invitation – big or small – as a sacred duty to propagate Ao culture. Lipokzulu Longkumer, tatar, and Imkum Pongen, tatar, also spoke on the occasion.