People part takes in the feast during the Southern Angami Public Organization Platinum Jubilee celebration held at Jakhama Village on December 28. (Morung Photo)
Southern Angami Public Organization celebrates Platinum Jubilee
Morung Express News
Kohima | December 28
Southern Angami Public Organization (SAPO) today celebrated the Platinum Jubilee under the theme, “Celebrating Ethos” at Jakhama Village, under Kohima district.
Justice Zelre Angami, Judge (Rtd), Gauhati High Court exhorted that in the past, any activity, be small or huge was not made or fulfilled through individual calibre but through collective efforts. This, he maintained, was best demonstrated through a just and peace loving community where also religion was common. He called the people to live together in harmony as good people. Referring on the land of the Southern Angami region, he said, we were fortunate to receive premiere education initiated by own people and among others were opportunities through Polytechnique and power supply.
Pointing that the region's land with good soil, abundance of water and clean air was one that is gifted by God is at the same time worthy of giving thanks. He said that it was imperative to forgo bad deeds and protect the ecosystem and environment of the land for the present and future generation.
Other guests were Dr Chotisuh Sazo, Former Speaker, MLA; Dr Neiphi Kire, Chairman, Kohima Village Council; Er. Zale Neikha, Advisor, Youth Resources & Sports, Government of Nagaland; and Kethozhapu Sahu, Advisor, APO.
Dr Chotisuh Sazo in his exhortation reminded the people of the Southern Angami region that the Chokri and southern Angamis has always maintained a cordial and friendly relationship since time immemorial. He also accorded gratitude to the people for always extending solidarity to the Chokris.
Dr Neiphi Kire opined that jubilee is an occasion for an in-depth exposition of cultures and traditions- songs & dances, attires and ornaments. While a chance to revisit the past, also to go ahead with renewed hope. Significant to the inception year- 1944, Kire also remarked that the year 1944 was fought the battle of Kohima between the British and Japanese troops has irreparable memories of lives and valuables lost.
Er Zale Neikha noting on the essence of the theme called to revisit the practices and cultures of the past where he said our people maintained unity and were self-sufficient and self-reliant. Pondering on the present generation, he also stated that the present generation has become dependent on the market. Zale further challenged the elders to teach younger people on the practices of the past and also called the younger generation to inherit these age-old practices.
Kethozhapu Sahu speaking on the inception of the organization said that 9 villages in 1934 came together as Japfüphiki. In 1944, the present 13 villages formed the Southern Angami Public Organization. However not recognized by the government, in totality, the Southern Angami region has around 17 villages, he later added.
Cultural items that were presented during the jubilee were Tati Pfhe (folk song by Tsaraho (Never grow old) group, Khuzama village, Ukrü tsali by Jakhama Village, Viswemae village, Sakhabama (Helim/folk dance), Mima Village and Kigwema Village. Southern Angami Cultural Society also presented special song.
Earlier, Daso Paphino, Rtd. Director, Treasuries & Accounts and Medokul Spohie, Former MLA chaired the programme during the monolith inauguration and formal programme respectively. SAPO President Vimezhol Theyo, President, SAPO delivered presidential address.
