Team Zeliang wins inter-tribal cultural dance contest

DIMAPUR — Zeliang cultural troupe won the first ever inter-tribal cultural dance competition organised by the Zeliang Students’ Union Dimapur (ZSUD), in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and Department of Art and Culture, on the theme “Cultural synergy: Embracing heritage, inspiring tomorrow” held at Holy Cross Higher Secondary School auditorium on Saturday.

The second runners up was secured by Ao cultural troupe and all the eight team were awarded certificates along with cash prizes. The completions were judged by Seyievinuo, Anung Walling, and Gugu Haralu.

Speaking on the occasion as the guest of honour, advisor of Prisons, Printing and Stationery, Kropol Vitsu, said that Naga culture is their identity and reminded that the people would lose everything if they lost their cultural identity. He expressed hope that traditional activities would be revitalised by organising such event.

Vitsu stated that cultural values cannot be inherited biologically but it is learned through social participation and passed on to generations.

According to his experience, he mentioned that the merry-making of Naga traditional practices continued till 1980s in a very fervent and high spirit mood but gradually diminished in the following years.

He stated that with the launch of Hornbill Festival in 2000, the Naga traditional activities were revitalised and attracted visitors from other mainland and abroad.

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The guest speaker and president of Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU), Hinoto P Aomi, said that preservation of cultural heritage is vital to maintain the cultural diversity.

As cultural is the identity, he stated that it should be the duty of everyone to pass down the knowledge to future generation. He added that any individual or community without knowing their culture or history is a confused people.

“As the world is evolving fast, it is important to catch up with the rest of the world, but it is better to remain unique than to be the most advanced country or most advanced people in the world, not knowing their existence, roots, culture, traditions and heritage,” Aomi said.

The vote of thanks was delivered by ZSUD general Secretary and concluded with a benediction said by Rev. Fr. Philip Yanpvuthung, principal of Holy Cross Higher Secondary School.