Tenyimia Union Mokokchung members representing ten tribes gather at DIET Ground, Yimyu, Mokokchung on February 14.
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | February 14
The Tenyimia Union Mokokchung (TUM) observed its 58th Commemoration Day on February 14 at the DIET Auditorium in Yimyu, bringing together members of the Tenyimia community representing ten tribes. The event marked the first collective gathering of its kind in 18 years, with the previous congregation held in 2008.
Addressing the programme as special guest, SP Mokokchung Vesupra Kezo expressed gratitude to TUM for the invitation stating he was honoured to be part of a gathering of his own people. Reflecting on the shared history of the Tenyimia community, he traced their origin to Makhel and underscored that the legacy of the Tenyi people continues to shape their identity.
He acknowledged the role of forefathers in preserving unity across generations and paid tribute to former executives and members of TUM for their contributions to the welfare of the community. Kezo also noted that history is preserved not only through written records but also through oral traditions, including folklores and songs passed down within families.
Recounting traditional narratives, he referred to the dispersion of the Tenyimia brothers from Makhel under a wild pear tree, which still stands at Shajouba near Makhel as a symbol of shared ancestry.
He stated that the descendants of Tenyi today comprise ten tribes—Angami, Chakhesang, Zeliangrong, Pochury, Rengma, Mao, Maram, Poumai, Inpui and Thangal—spread across Nagaland, Manipur and Assam, remaining united by common lineage despite geographical and administrative divisions.
Highlighting the values associated with the Tenyimia people, Kezo said unity, honesty, simplicity, leadership and fear of God have defined the community over generations. He also pointed to similarities in customs, festivals, folk songs, respect for elders, food habits and community life among the tribes, describing the Tenyimia as a homogeneous community that is politically divided but culturally united.
The SP further expressed appreciation to the Ao community for fostering a harmonious environment for Tenyimia people residing in Mokokchung and encouraged members to act as ambassadors of their community through humility and integrity. He also called upon the younger generation to carry forward the community’s legacy with dignity and mutual respect.
The programme concluded with a collective prayer for unity and guidance, alongside a shared hope that the Tenyimia people would one-day journey together to Makhel as a symbol of renewed bonding.
According to TUM, the Commemoration Day will be observed annually, while a major get-together will be organised once every tenure of the Union, similar to an advance Christmas gathering within its two-year tenure period.
Earlier, the programme began with an invocation by Pastor Teyalo Seb of Tenyimi Church Mokokchung, followed by a welcome address delivered by Dr. Neizo Puro, President, TUM. The session was chaired by Dr Viheno Iralu, Assistant Professor, Nagaland University, Lumami.
A brief report on the Union’s membership was presented by Thekho Weyirkhu, General Secretary, TUM, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Ruokuosietuo Dzivüchü, Vice President, TUM. The programme concluded with a closing prayer led by Pastor Sevtoso Vero of Chakhesang Baptist Church, Mokokchung.
