Go beyond individual interests for a common shared future of Nagas

Morung Express news 
Kohima | April 10 

Temjen Imna Along, Minister Higher Education and Tribal Affairs, Government of Nagaland unveiled the foundation stone of the Thehouba and Viewpoint of the Angami Students’ Union (ASU) on Saturday at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama.

Thehouba in Angami language is a stone sitting place/stone look-out place which is an art of stone masonry. The site is located at the viewpoint of the Heritage Village. 

During the unveiling ceremony, the Minister expounded the need to aspire beyond individual, range or tribal scenarios and move forward with the dream and aspirations of a common shared future for the Naga people.

He called the initiative of the ASU, “a path breaking move” and said that it is time to start thinking, implementing and acting with a broader perspective. 

 

The Minister said that a common trait among all Naga tribes was that each tribe narrows itself down to their domestic interest and wanting to meet those narrow aspirations. Noting the need to subside individual interests, he said the Naga society needs to draw a collective goal that can be achieved at every level. He further stated that in order to the Naga traditional attires will only be justified in spirit if the society collectively learns to dream and aspire beyond individual interests.

As a Naga society, even with tribe division, the minister said we all share similarities in food, skin and looks and therefore our aspirations cannot be separated nor should division be practiced. Towards this he said that even though there is difference in the mind, the difference should not prevail in the heart.

President ASU Vizokho Zashümo while delivering the introductory speech said that the laying of the historic stone foundation will make the Thehouba and viewpoint a place that will serve a meaningful purpose for everyone who visits the place for generations to come.

“We have a tendency of belittling ourselves instead of promoting and ensuring the progression of ourselves and our people. We are gathered here to reflect on our past and present.  We should commit ourselves to go beyond the parameters of our village, range, our tribe and endeavor in our realities in the best way possible,” Zashümo asserted.

The stone laying foundation is also in commemoration of the 29th ASU Biennial General Conference 2021, the 75th year of Kohima Sub-division Students’ Conference and 50 Years of Angami Students’ Union. 

Nagaland Advisor for Technical Education and Election Medo Yhokha was also present at the programme along with leaders from the four Angami ranges- Northern, Southern, Western and Chakhroma and senior members. The dedicatory prayer was commended by Visato Yhoshü, Associate pastor, Union Baptist Church Kohima.
The land was donated by Zasiunoma Clan.