‘Language vital to preserve identity and culture’

Cultural troupe presenting Kachari dance and song during the ‘Aai Sagi’, post harvest festival of the Mech Kacharis celebrated at Darogajan village, Dimapur on January 13. (Morung Photo by Soreishim Mahong) 
 

Mech Kacharis in Dimapur celebrate ‘Aai Sagi’ post harvest festival

Morung Express News
Dimapur | January 13

 ‘Aai Sagi’, the post harvest festival of the Mech Kacharis in Dimapur was celebrated with much fanfare and gaiety here at Darogajan village on January 13.

Organized by the Mech Kachari Public Organization (MKPO), the celebration was graced by president, Western Sumi Hoho, Dr Kakheto Zhimomi, as chief guest and president, Kachari Tribal Council Nagaland (KTCN), Ramesh Hasnu, as guest of honour.

The chief guest in his address underscored the importance of language and dialect to preserve one’s identity and culture, especially for the tribal communities at large. Dr Kakheto said if a tribe or community forgets one’s own language and dialect, then there is danger of the tribe’s culture and tradition being lost forever.

Kakheto impressed upon the festive gathering, especially the younger generation, to always imbibe the values and positive traits of their elders and never to forget their rich cultural heritage.

He said the Kachari tribe being one of the 16 recognized and indigenous tribes in Nagaland has equal right to all opportunities including employment provided by Nagaland government and urged upon the Mech Kachari youth to be more sincere, dedicated and hardworking to make their presence felt in different fields, both government and private sectors, in the state.

He said at present due to saturation of government jobs in the state, many of the 16 indigenous tribes of Nagaland are venturing outside the state in search of jobs.

“But even if you go outside the state, never forget your culture and tradition”, the chief guest said.

On Register of Indigenous Inhabitants Nagaland (RIIN) exercise, Kakheto said the Kacharis, being one of the indigenous and original inhabitants of Dimapur, should never have any apprehension or fear that they would b excluded.

The guest of honour in his address also stressed on the need to preserve and promote the tradition and culture on one’s own tribe or community. The KTCN president said in the present scenario with significant strides in education, development and transport and communication, the world has become a smaller place and paved the way for different tribes and communities to learn and understand each other’s culture and tradition. Hasnu said this has also opened the door for peace and harmonious co-existence amongst neighbours and communities.

Invitees from other tribes and advisor KTCN, also delivered short speeches.

The main highlight of the celebration was presentation of Kachari dances and songs by cultural troupes from Mech Kachari villages under East Dimapur.

Earlier, president MKPO, John Mech, delivered the welcome address and general secretary MKPO, Dharma Dhaj Sonowal, who also chaired the programme, spoke on the significance of the festival.

Assistant general secretary, MKPO, Dip Kumar Mech, proposed vote of thanks.