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Seen in the picture is Nüngo Reju which was inaugurated on May 17 in Changtongya village.[/caption]
Dimapur, May 21 (EMN): At a time when traditions and customs of the Aos are fast fading, “Arju Tsüki - Bachelor’s Dormitory”- an NGO, has built a Morung in Changtongya with an objective to revive culture and traditions of the Ao-Naga. The Morung christened as ‘Nüngo Reju” was inaugurated on May 17.
This Morung was built under the guidance and leadership of Sentirenba, founder and director of Arju Tsüki - Bachelor’s Dormitory.
The programme was chaired by Meyitiba Jamir, former CKT president, while the invocation prayer was said by Aienla Imchen, home evangelist of Changtongya Baptist Church.
Speaking at the inaugural programme, Sentirenba mentioned that he had visited many rural areas in India and Northeast region while undergoing his MSW degree in Jorhat. It was during such visits that he observed rapid decadence of ancestral traditions and customs.
He decided to build the Morung and named as Nüngo (souvenir) Reju (Morung) in order to revive the good old traditions in terms of language, terminologies of kinship ties and others, reviving the handicrafts of both men and women, folklores etc.
Explaining the reason behind naming it as ‘Nüngo Reju,’ he stated that building a Morung symbolises revival of once lost tradition. He added that the Morung would house years-old souvenirs and objects used by the ancestors. He has also welcomed donations of antique items used by the Ao ancestors.
It was also learned that “Arju Tsüki - Bachelor’s Dormitory” has started month-long free vocational classes for both boy and girl students of Christian Standard Higher Secondary School and Green River Valley High School in Changtongya town.
Short speeches were also delivered by representatives from Changtongya village council, Changtongya Kaketshir Telungjem (Changtongya Students’ Union), Adventure Club Changtongya, Bosco Institute Jorhat (9th Batch), Christian Standard Higher Secondary School and Green River Valley High School.
In the same event, a Jewish Harp was presented by Wanphai Nongrum, founder and creative director of Path to Creation, Shillong. Theprogramme was attended by Watsu from Changtongya (Ao women body), DKA Austria and Puhor Foundation, Marani, Jorhat.