Correspondent
Porba (Phek), Dec 14
The Probami Youth Organisation (PYO) today held its 6th Cultural Day under the theme “Culture is the root of the society” at Proba village, Pfutsero sub-division in Phek district with Parliamentary Secretary for Veterinary and Animal Husbandry, Yitachu as the chief guest and Tourist Officer, Directorate of Tourism, Veyielo Doulo as the guest of the honour. Addressing the inaugural session, Yitachu maintained that culture does not only mean wearing the traditional attires or playing the indigenous games, but the most important aspect is to uphold the traditional values passed on by the forefathers.
He said preserving the tradition and culture is the biggest asset because “we (Nagas) though divided into several states and countries are identified because of the tradition and culture and we should not be ashamed of identifying ourselves as Nagas”. Yitachu, who had held the tourism ministry in the last DAN government, also regretted that the present generation youths are ashamed of showcasing their own culture and tradition. He cited that Naga youths the festive occasions, and special during Hornbill festival are reluctant to come forward in participating in the cultural programmes. But they are happy wearing western dresses because of which mostly older people perform the cultural items in the Hornbill festival, he said.
Showcasing of the tradition and culture is also exhibit the energy and youthfulness of the Naga people, he said and called upon the youth to uphold the traditional values passed on by the forefathers. Expressing that 2/3rd of the Naga society is youth and children, he said they are the most important assets of the Naga society and opined that enhancing their capacity would transform the Naga society towards a better future. He also reiterated his suggestion to have a specific date for such cultural day every year so that the information can be put in the website of the Tourism Department in order to attract tourists from other states and foreign.
This, he said would help promote tourism and also enhance the economy of the villages as well as the state.
Delivering the presidential address PYO president Müzivoyi Puro said that the Cultural day is being held to revive and rejuvenate the cultural heritage. “Let us not forget the meaning of culture has wide dimensions including societal as well as individual conduct,” he said adding that some of good traditional qualities such as honesty, meekness, simplicity, trustworthy and hard-working culture seems to be on the verge of diminishing. He therefore emphasized on the need to retrieve back those culture for the prosperity of the Naga society.
He said that the four khels of Porba village showcase their traditional folk song and dance in the form of competition.
