Phusachodumi Youth Society celebrates 22nd Cultural Day-cum-Sühkrühnyie festival in Phusachodu with Sungti Amer highlighting the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
Share
KOHIMA — The Phusachodumi Youth Society (PYS) celebrated its 22nd Cultural Day-cum-Sühkrühnyie festival at the local ground, Phusachodu village, on Tuesday.
Sungti Amer, Assistant Chief Engineer (ACE) of CAWD and member of the Board of Governors, NIT Nagaland, attended the occasion as the special guest.
Addressing the gathering, Amer appreciated PYS for its vision, commitment, and dedication in upholding and carrying forward the rich cultural heritage.
Highlighting the rapidly changing social and political landscape, Amer said that preserving cultural heritage has become increasingly challenging. However, he stated that programmes such as this play a vital role in preserving and protecting heritage and traditional values for the younger generation.
Also read: Team Better Dimapur organises 4th Children's and Shelter Homes meet
He said that Sühkrühnyie is the premier festival of the Chakhesang community, a festival of sanctification invoking God’s blessings for the year ahead. He added that the festival also unites the village and the community and, in essence, represents a fresh beginning and a reaffirmation of hope, prosperity, unity, and well-being for the entire Chakhesang community.
Amer further highlighted that Nagaland, with its 16 tribes, is richly endowed with cultural heritage. He mentioned that the Chakhesang tribe is among the progressive tribes of the Nagas, producing leaders in politics, administration, sports, and culture, and expressed hope that many more leaders would emerge from the community in the future.
Encouraging the Chakhesang youth, Amer said they are the custodians of the future and the inheritors of a rich legacy. He stated that the responsibility of preserving cultural heritage while leading the community towards progress and development rests upon their shoulders.
He added that the destiny of society would be shaped by their choices, values, and actions. With youthful energy, creativity, and the power to bring about meaningful change, he said that with proper education, discipline, and strong moral values, the youth can emerge as responsible leaders who will guide the tribe and the nation towards peace, unity, and prosperity.
He further advised the youth to use their time wisely, commit themselves to learning and service, actively participate in social and community initiatives, promote education and awareness, volunteer selflessly, and above all, respect and uphold culture and traditions.
Velapa Theluo, village council chairman (VCC) of Phusachodu, delivered greetings and spoke on the diminishing cultural values in modern times. He stated that culture defines one’s identity and called upon the youth to preserve and protect their traditions.
Earlier, the presidential address was delivered by Küduveta Vero. He stated that Sühkrühnyie is not just a festival of purification but also a festival of thanksgiving and the joy of community life. He added that the festival also serves as a reaffirmation of peace, unity, and harmony.
Calling for rededication to cultural identity and traditional values such as honesty, hard work, and discipline, Vero said these would ensure that culture continues to provide strong roots and a clear sense of direction, even as the world rapidly changes.
He maintained that the celebration strengthens community bonds, encourages talent, and inspires people to preserve their culture with pride and dignity.
Cultural performances were presented by the Phusachodumi Union, Pfutsero, and the Zhove Cultural Troupe. On the occasion, cultural competitions were held in Kazhe, Mücü, Niehimozho, women’s group folk song, folk dance (men and women), and men’s group folk song.