Officials along with the participants during the AMPNWS Cultural Day celebration in Indore on June 25.
Dimapur, June 28 (MExN): The All Madhya Pradesh Naga Welfare Society (AMPNWS) organised its first Cultural Day celebration in Indore, bringing together more than 500 participants to showcase the rich cultural heritage, traditions and unity of the Naga community.
The event, held at Labh Mandapam on June 25, marked the first cultural programme of its kind by a northeastern community in Madhya Pradesh.
The programme began with a ceremonial curtain-raising and was compered by Sulika and Akika.
Welcoming the gathering, AMPNWS president Dr Imlimenba Walling thanked the dignitaries, guests and participants for supporting the society's maiden cultural event.
The exhortation was delivered by Dr M Chuba Ao, National Vice President of the BJP and Chairman of MARCOFED, who highlighted the Northeast's rich cultural traditions and said its diverse cultures continue to promote peace, harmony and unity. He also invited those present to visit Nagaland and experience the Hornbill Festival.
The cultural segment featured a folk song by the Zeliangrong community, a presentation titled "Rhythms of Life" by Chui Ruangmei and a colourful cultural parade showcasing the traditional attire and distinct identities of various Naga tribes.
The highlight of the programme was an address by Nagaland Advisor for Information and Public Relations and Soil and Water Conservation, Daochier I Imchen.
Recalling his college days, Imchen said he and his friends had started a small cultural forum in a library hall and organised a programme titled "Footprints", which later evolved into a successful annual event. He expressed hope that the AMPNWS Cultural Day would similarly grow into a landmark annual celebration.
Emphasising the importance of preserving cultural identity, he said the rich traditions and colourful attire of the Naga people reflect their unique heritage and encouraged members of the community to preserve and share their culture with future generations and the wider society.
The event also featured addresses by Pratap Nair, representing the Mayor of Indore, Jai Kumrawat, representing TRIFED under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and Neeraj Sankat, Founder of the Indore Social Welfare Foundation, all of whom appreciated the initiative and extended their best wishes to the society.
The celebrations continued with an artist spotlight featuring Boss Meren, a cultural ballad by the Sumi community and an investiture ceremony conducted by Rev Lipokinba, Secretary of NMM. The formal programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Atoholi Yepthomi, Assistant General Secretary of AMPNWS.
An exhibition of indigenous products was also organised, with Tribes India displaying locally made products that attracted considerable interest from visitors.
The event concluded with a live concert featuring Boss Meren, Moko Koza, Chui Ruangmei, Emma Hmar and Litoka Kinimi.
According to the organisers, the inaugural Cultural Day marks the beginning of what is envisioned as an annual event aimed at preserving and promoting Naga culture while strengthening fellowship and unity among the Naga community in Madhya Pradesh.
