Kohima — Member of Nagaland Legislative Assembly (MLA), B Bangtick, has called upon the Phom community to imbibe unity and humility in their pursuit for better life saying that there is much strength in unity.
Bangtick stated this during the Monyiü festival of the Phom community organised by the Phom Union Kohima (PUK) on Saturday at NBCC Convention Centre in Kohima as the special guest. He urged the members to live in unity and stay humble stating that God would eventually open doors and opportunities at an appropriate time.
“God will bless us more if we imbibe unity and humility in our lives as there is much strength in unity,’ he said.
Noting that the number of households has grown from less than 100 when Phom Union Kohima started in 1986, he called upon the people to strive to be better in whatever they do.
“There should not be division on the basis of village or constituency but must remain united as a Phom, then only it can go ahead. Let there be one sentiment and one goal to live in unity and for a successful community,” he added.
The celebration was initially scheduled at NSF Solidarity Park but was shifted to the NBCC Convention Centre due to the heavy downpour in Kohima.
Phom Monyiü festival is celebrated every year from April 1 to the 6th with each day having significance. The festival is a time of thanksgiving to the creator, a time of seeking blessings for the year's harvest and a time of renewing love and affection among friends and families, said the deputy director of Industries and Commerce and PUK member, S Chaidok Phom.
Also speaking at the celebration, the chairman of Kohima village council, Helievio Solo, expressed hope that the friendship between the Phom and Angami communities in Kohima would become stronger. He stated that one should not allow manipulation and bitterness to divide Nagas but instead put the common good above all.
He further urged the gathering to look back to the ideal traditional practices and oral narration passed down by the forefathers.
The president of Eastern Nagaland People's Union Kohima, N Toshi Chang, said celebration of festival is a way of expressing joy to create memories that would last a lifetime. Besides, he stated that celebrations are about fostering unity and maintaining stronger bonds. He expressed hope that the celebration would bring unity among the people.
TL Kiusumong Tikhir, ADC of Jalukie while speaking on behalf of the in-laws, described the Phom community as the most progressive tribe and least controversial among the seven tribes of eastern Nagaland. He has attributed those qualities to signify a mature society.
“Phom in particular and Nagas in general are unique because of their culture. The world and India have recognised the uniqueness of the Naga culture,” he said adding that such uniqueness is the gift from God to the people.
On the occasion, Phom Students Union Kohima (PSUK) enlightened the gathering on the significance of the six-day Monyiü festival. The Tamlu Buhu Union Kohima presented a lullaby, while Bhumnyu Union Kohima and Phomla Hoichem Kohima units presented folk dance and folk song.