Tribalism is killing Naga society– MLA Dr. Rhutso

KOHIMA — Expounding that the scourge of tribalism is killing the Naga society and has inhibited from further progress, the member of Nagaland Legislative Assembly (MLA), Dr. Tsielhoutuo Rhutso, on Friday evening called upon the youth to be an agent of change by eliminating those cankerous element.

He stated this during the grand finale of the Battle of the Bands for schools as well as the valedictory programme of the state-level youth festival held at RCEMPA in Jotsoma.

Dr. Rhutso emphasised the need to provide equal opportunities to all deserving individuals and urged the youth to spread the message of overcoming tribalism. Drawing inspiration from his own life experiences, he encouraged the youth not to forget their roots.

Highlighted that the youth and students of Nagaland are the future of the state, he stressed the importance of self-development.

According to Dr. Rhutso, the narratives have shifted from the past to the present saying, the size of one’s body does not matter as much as the content of one’s mind. In this regard, he underscored the need to prepare for the future by acquiring skills, honing talents and believing in oneself.

He motivated the youth to aim to become employers in order to reduce the burden on society by creating opportunities for others.

Dr. Rhutso also advocated holding similar youth festivals and band competitions more frequently to build connections, bridge differences and create a vibrant society.

The legislator emphasised the importance of education in building the future of society and encouraging the youth to strive for self-sufficiency and good citizenship.

He further urged them to begin by doing ‘what is necessary and to take on what is possible’ so they can eventually achieve the impossible.

Earlier in the programme, Theja Meru, chairman of the Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA), shared greeting, while the welcome address was delivered by Anthony Ngullie, secretary of Youth Resources and Sports Department.

The event was led by Kethosituo Sekhose, director of Youth Resources and Sports, and NCS Band and the Department of Youth Resources and Sports (DYRS) made special performances.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Hovithal Sothu, project director of TaFMA.

In the folk song competition, Tuensang district won the first prize, while Shamator and Kiphire districts won the second and third positions respectively.

In folk dance competition, Mokokchung district won the first position, while Peren and Mon districts won the second and third positions respectively.

In the Science mela, Zunheboto district won the first prize, while Mokokchung and Wokha districts won the second and third prizes respectively.

In the declamation, Peren district won the first prize, while Tuensang and Wokha districts won the second and third positions respectively.

In painting competition, Phek district won the first prize, while Niuland and Zunheboto districts won the second and third prizes respectively.

In the Battle of the Bands, Gears 4.0 from Model Higher Secondary School, Kohima, won the first prize, while The Crossians from Holy Cross Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, and Escapism from Bethesda Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, won the second and third prizes respectively.

Consolation prizes were awarded to Genesis from The Vineyard School, Kohima; PHSS from Patkai Higher Secondary School, Chümoukedima; Bautang from Government Higher Secondary School, Longleng; The Redeemers from St. John Higher Secondary School, Tuensang; and The Euphonic Design from Loyola Higher Secondary School, Kiphire.