Rengma cultural troupe performing at the “Cultural regale” on the concluding day of the NSF general conference at Pfutsero town, on Friday The Rengma troupe came first in the competition.
PFUTSERO | APRIL 29 : The concluding day of the 24th NSF general conference saw a change of guard of the apex Naga students’ body as Kelhouneizo Yhome, former NSF Speaker, took over the mantle from outgoing president Mutsikhoyo Yhobu. Kelhouneizo is also former Speaker and president of the Angami Students’ Union (ASU). Election through ballot was held for only two posts, that of the president and general secretary, while the other posts were filled up through consensus. Kelhouneizo and Hetoi Chishi (former NSF general secretary) contested for the post of president, while Meijing Gonmei and N Ejanthung Ngullie contested for the post of general secretary. The election was conducted by NSF election commission chairman G Vashum and members Vipopal Kintso and P Chuba Ozukum.
The New NSF office bearers for the tenure 2011-2013 are:
President: Kelhouneizo Yhome
Vice president: Sinhilo Thong
General secretary: N Ejanthung Ngullie
Assistant GS: Tongpang Ozukum
Secretary Finance: I Mangyang Jamir
Secretary Education: Chipakhuyi Rhakho
Secretary Social & Culture: Eshuwo Krelo
Secretary Games & Sports: C Jungithung Yanthan
Secretary Publicity & Information: Vipah Domeh
Auditor general: Joseph Ngouri
Speaker: RS Jollyson
Vacant posts: Editor, deputy speaker, assembly secretary and secretary women affairs (2)
Vice president: Sinhilo Thong
General secretary: N Ejanthung Ngullie
Assistant GS: Tongpang Ozukum
Secretary Finance: I Mangyang Jamir
Secretary Education: Chipakhuyi Rhakho
Secretary Social & Culture: Eshuwo Krelo
Secretary Games & Sports: C Jungithung Yanthan
Secretary Publicity & Information: Vipah Domeh
Auditor general: Joseph Ngouri
Speaker: RS Jollyson
Vacant posts: Editor, deputy speaker, assembly secretary and secretary women affairs (2)
NSF conference concludes
Pfutsero, APRIL 29 (MExN): The “cultural regale” in the morning session of the last day of the 24th Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) conference, turned out to be an entertaining and enriching experience for students coming from different Naga areas and Pfutsero public. Cultural troupes from the NSF federating units depicted the rich traditions and lore of the various Naga tribes though dances performances, songs and indigenous games. Special guest of the cultural event, Nagaland Minister for Roads & Bridges G Kaito Aye sent a message, which was read out by former NSF president Y Vikheho Swu.
In his message Kaito stated that since culture speaks of the identity of an individual, group or community, it is essential for Nagas to preserve and uphold their culture even as Nagas encounter new challenges in the fast changing world. “Distinct exhibition of our cultural richness in an occasion like this is in a way an expression of our desire for peaceful and harmonious living,” the minister said. The state government has also been working for unity among the Naga brothers and with the rest of the peoples, he stated. The same efforts concerning the neighboring states, Aye stated, ‘that all will continue to live with respect and dignity and, most importantly, recognizing each other’s rights.’
The minister also said that in the backdrop of the current Naga situation, the theme of the conference “Reaching out,” is appropriate and that students can play a unifying and ‘reaching out’ role if they are really committed. “Our burden and our problem cannot be simply given to others to solve it. Other people can at the most help us but cannot clean up our mess. We know where it pains and where it grieves us. Similarly, we must also be capable to find out where it will relief us and give us life with meaning to live for,” Kaito said. Chairman of North East Students’ Federation (NESO) Dr. Samujjal Bhattacharjee, also a special guest of the cultural event, in his address pointed to the need of the peoples of North East to collectively stand against the “political injustice and economic exploitation” meted to the North East by Delhi.
Stating that Government of India must give “separate constitutional status” to the North East region to protect and safeguard the culture, and resources of the indigenous people, the NESO chairman suggested that the northeast people in unity must start two parallel movements – a planned economic movement and planned cultural movement – for common welfare and prosperity of the NE people.
Further, Samujjal cautioned on the menace of “illegal foreigners” and said the NE region is already facing a demographic profile of NE is being overwhelmed by illegal foreigners.
In addition, Naga Hoho president Keviletuo Kiewhuo extorted the conference stating that Nagas are presently at a critical stage of a “nation in building” and that if they are to have a future, it should be a future of hope, peace, understanding and prosperity.
“To achieve our dreams and future, let us never give up our political rights. Our political rights are the only rights that can protect us,” he added. NESO, All Assam Students’ Union, All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union, Tripura Students’ Federation and Mizo Zirlai Pawl also delivered solidarity messages.
As part of the event, music was one of the highlights for Thursday night. “Classical piece and Quartet ensemble” saw guitar and vocal performances. Nagaland Chief Secretary Lalthara was the chief guest.
Impressed by the performance of the young Naga talents, the chief guest said music is a part of the Naga way of life and culture and that Nagas are known for their talent in music.
Earlier in the day, a debate on the topic “Nagas are economically stable” was held with advocate Joshua Sheqi as the debate host. The Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) and Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) also conveyed greetings on the occasion.
In his message Kaito stated that since culture speaks of the identity of an individual, group or community, it is essential for Nagas to preserve and uphold their culture even as Nagas encounter new challenges in the fast changing world. “Distinct exhibition of our cultural richness in an occasion like this is in a way an expression of our desire for peaceful and harmonious living,” the minister said. The state government has also been working for unity among the Naga brothers and with the rest of the peoples, he stated. The same efforts concerning the neighboring states, Aye stated, ‘that all will continue to live with respect and dignity and, most importantly, recognizing each other’s rights.’
The minister also said that in the backdrop of the current Naga situation, the theme of the conference “Reaching out,” is appropriate and that students can play a unifying and ‘reaching out’ role if they are really committed. “Our burden and our problem cannot be simply given to others to solve it. Other people can at the most help us but cannot clean up our mess. We know where it pains and where it grieves us. Similarly, we must also be capable to find out where it will relief us and give us life with meaning to live for,” Kaito said. Chairman of North East Students’ Federation (NESO) Dr. Samujjal Bhattacharjee, also a special guest of the cultural event, in his address pointed to the need of the peoples of North East to collectively stand against the “political injustice and economic exploitation” meted to the North East by Delhi.
Stating that Government of India must give “separate constitutional status” to the North East region to protect and safeguard the culture, and resources of the indigenous people, the NESO chairman suggested that the northeast people in unity must start two parallel movements – a planned economic movement and planned cultural movement – for common welfare and prosperity of the NE people.
Further, Samujjal cautioned on the menace of “illegal foreigners” and said the NE region is already facing a demographic profile of NE is being overwhelmed by illegal foreigners.
In addition, Naga Hoho president Keviletuo Kiewhuo extorted the conference stating that Nagas are presently at a critical stage of a “nation in building” and that if they are to have a future, it should be a future of hope, peace, understanding and prosperity.
“To achieve our dreams and future, let us never give up our political rights. Our political rights are the only rights that can protect us,” he added. NESO, All Assam Students’ Union, All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union, Tripura Students’ Federation and Mizo Zirlai Pawl also delivered solidarity messages.
As part of the event, music was one of the highlights for Thursday night. “Classical piece and Quartet ensemble” saw guitar and vocal performances. Nagaland Chief Secretary Lalthara was the chief guest.
Impressed by the performance of the young Naga talents, the chief guest said music is a part of the Naga way of life and culture and that Nagas are known for their talent in music.
Earlier in the day, a debate on the topic “Nagas are economically stable” was held with advocate Joshua Sheqi as the debate host. The Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) and Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) also conveyed greetings on the occasion.
