G Kaito Aye urges protection of Naga identity at Sekrenyi in Kohima Village.
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KOHIMA — Minister for Nagaland Public Works Department (NPWD), Road and Bridges, G Kaito Aye on Tuesday called for efforts to protect Naga identity and culture.
The minister was addressing the laying of the foundation stone for the Development of Traditional Homestay and inauguration of Angami Kitho and Mini Museum at D Khel, Kohima Village, during Sekrenyi.
Aye expressed delight over the initiative and the facilities, stating that they would attract visitors. He also acknowledged the proprietor for coming up with such ideas.
He highlighted the changing narratives of Naga history — from taking headhunting as a matter of pride to embracing Christianity and education.
He implored the people to be thankful to God for bringing the Nagas to this scenario and calling Nagaland the land of festivals.
Pointing out that Nagas are divided into different tribes and speak different languages, the minister stressed the need for Nagas to help each other.
He added that relative peace already prevails among the Nagas, and despite internal problems, the people should learn to overcome those hurdles and be good citizens.
Aye also urged Kohima Village to be facilitators and accommodative towards those who come seeking shelter, whether for employment, business, or sustenance, and to take it as a duty to bring the Nagas together.
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During the celebration of the Sekrenyi festival, he also asserted the need to preserve language, the mother tongue, alongside identity and culture.
He lauded Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for promoting and motivating the youth through music and arts, which are doing well even outside the country and are widely appreciated.
Pele Khezhie, president of the Northern Angami Public Organisation (NAPO), in his speech, commended the inauguration of the cultural heritage house and appreciated the proprietor, Kevi Khezhie, for preserving and promoting Angami tradition, which stands as a symbol of pride, identity, and commitment to safeguarding Angami culture for future generations.
He stated that the Sekrenyi festival reminds the people that they are rooted in culture, united as a community, and hopeful for the future. He also stressed the need to continue traditions and pass them on with pride.
A project overview was presented by Kevi Khezhie, the proprietor, who stated that the initiative aims to create a space where art meets tradition, offering modern amenities — homestays, a restaurant, a recreational park, and social event venues — while remaining a place for learning and preserving age-old traditions and culture.
He said that with the rapid changes in the modern world, culture and traditions are diminishing, and many youngsters are unaware of them. As such, the project was conceptualised to preserve and pass down traditions and culture to future generations.
Khezhie stated that the facility will be a public space to educate the masses and collectively preserve and promote traditions, imparting knowledge of the priceless artefacts of the forefathers and remembering the past.
He asserted that the initiative has already begun and envisages developing a high-quality public recreational park with universal accessibility, providing eco-friendly and affordable accommodation for visitors with aesthetic cabins built on the natural landscape, and promoting eco-tourism and responsible tourism in Nagaland.
A traditional blessing was offered by Medo Keretsü, head GB of Kohima Village, while invocation prayer was offered by Menuolhoulie Sekhose, assistant pastor, Baptist Mission Church, Kohima.