Kejong Chang asks DBs & GBs to honour the institution at Dimapur District Dobashi Golden Jubilee
Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 10
Nagaland State Parliamentary Secretary for DB & GB Affairs and Horticulture, Kejong Chang, today stressed on ‘Revival’ of the institution of the DB (Do bashi) or ‘interpreter’, introduced during the British time, to strengthen the hands of the district administration.
Ninety-four-year old Kejong, the oldest member in the present Nagaland Legislative Assembly, said as in the past the role of a DB is not only confined to being an interpreter but, most importantly, to act as guardian of Naga customary laws and practices.
“DBs and GBs are the eyes, ears and mouth of the districts administration and therefore the role and duties of the DBs and GBs are enormous and powerful,” Kejong said in his address at the Golden Jubilee celebration of the ‘Dimapur District Dobashi’ held at DDSC Stadium here today.
Kejong, who represents Tuensang Sadar-II, said he was at home with the DBs and GBs as he too served as a DB for 44 years beginning 1945 till his retirement as PA to deputy commissioner, travelling the length and breadth of the Eastern Nagaland and Mokokchung in the than Naga Hills and under NEFA.
“When I first joined as a DB in 1945, my salary under British Raj was Rs. 35, which was huge money during that time with Rs. 1, you can buy 8 kilo rice,” he said to the applause of all DBs present.
The Parliamentary Secretary however reminded the present-day DBs that in earlier times, the DBs underwent a lot of risks and hardships, especially during the peak of the Naga movement.
“I don’t know about other districts, but in the then Tuensang district, 44 DBs died in the line of duty between the Naga undergrounds and Indian Army,” he said, adding that the present-day DBs and GBs should take inspiration from the sacrifices of their past counterparts, whose motto was to safeguard public interest and safety.
In the same vein, Kejong said DBs and GBs, being the custodian and protector of Naga customary law and usages, should never accept bribes as it would erode the respect and honour of their institutions, which are the backbone of Naga society as well as district administration.
ADC Dimapur, Elizabeth Ngully, in her address, said Dimapur being a cosmopolitan district with all Naga tribes and other communities residing in the district, the DBs of Dimapur need to be more alert, sincere and alive to various problems and situations which other districts may not encounter.
As a reminder, Elizabeth also asked whether the present-day DBs are living upto the expectations of the public and whether the respect for DBs have diminished or not. President, All Nagaland Dobashi Association; President of GBs Association (Sadar) Dimapur and PA to DC Kohima, also greeted and exhorted the Dimapur DBs.
Cultural troupes from Pihekhu (Sumi), Old Showuba (Yimchungrü) and Bamun Pukhuri (Kachari) presented their respective traditional dances on the occasion.
President, Dimapur District DB Association, L Nokremba Yimchungrü, delivered the welcome address and Convenor, jubilee planning committee, Khekuto Sema, proposed vote of thanks.
