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Our Correspondent
Jakhama, March 13 (EMN): Principal Secretary for School Education and State Council of Educational Research Training (SCERT), Menukhol John on Friday told the students of St. Joseph's College (Autonomous), Jakhama (SJCJ), to remind themselves that they are best.
He was addressing the two-day ‘7th Spring Fest’, the annual cultural festival of SJCJ at the college campus on March 13.
‘You are simply the best,’ John told the students, adding that the theme of the fest, “My culture, my heritage” signifies the rich cultural pride of the people. He also said that the name of the fest suits the youths as spring season symbolically stood for them.
John urged the students to make the best use of the services and facilities available in the college and consider themselves lucky to be ‘Josephites’. He also advised them to continue to excel in academics as well as other activities to be successful in life.
He informed that the department of School Education was taking up projects by 'going back to roots' to strengthen the culture and values of the forefathers to the present generation. Citing the department’s initiatives, he stated they were making an intervention in Longleng and Tuensang district by way of collaborating with the rural-based organisation in imparting life values and education of the ‘forefathers’. He expressed optimism that it would impact the society.
Renowned Naga musician Nise Meruno, Yamaha artiste and AKG brand ambassador, who made a guest appearance at the fest, expressed happiness that the music scenario in Nagaland has scaled up.
He observed that with times, things have changed, and unlike in the past wherein people of the state took music as a hobby, many musicians have taken it up as a profession.
Sharing his desire to make the state "a land of music", Meruno encouraged the gathering and aspiring musicians to "be positive and look beyond challenges".
“Music is the only profession that will take back to heaven; I don’t think there will be any other profession there and I think there will only be music, singing and beautiful choir- angels singing together. So when we pursue this art, this gift of music, we are sharing a glimpse of heaven to people on earth,” he stated.
“You should be really happy when you are in this field because you also in a way highlight an attribute of God; our God is a God of creativity so when you create, you are in a way imbibing into your system, into your life a glimpse of God’s likeness,” he added.
Principal of the college Rev. Fr. Dr. Sebastian, in his welcome address, stated that during the fest ‘everyone is going to have a deeper look into oneself to realise that culture is an inalienable heritage’. He maintained that the spring fest was organised to upkeep the values and rich heritage of the society.
Meanwhile, competitions like Naga wrestling, photography competition, folk dance competition, pork fat eating competition and others were held at the fest.