
Zunheboto, November 14 (DIPR): Nagas are at the crossroads from all angles – socially, politically, culturally and lest regret should come later, modernization and invasion of foreign culture should not be allowed to do away with the Nagas’ rich cultural heritage said Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio speaking at the Ahuna celebrations of the Sumis at Zunheboto on the 14th. ‘Christianity has come to stay but our culture and festivals must be preserved’ he said citing the Hornbill festival as an instance.
He said character and identity are the most important of all social discourses, referring to the Nagas in the present context. ‘Today our society is in such a situation where no church or underground leader or anyone can solve our perplexing problem. To march ahead, everyone must play their own respective role at this juncture with a clear vision and taking God as our director we must put our effort to take a stand for a peaceful Nagaland’ Rio explained.
Referring to the festivity of the forefathers, the chief minister said they never celebrated festivals by ‘borrowing’ but by ‘earning’. According to Rio “we must learn that our forefathers are hard workers and today we must retrospect where we stand”. He quoted a verse from the Bible “thou shall eat by the sweat of thy brow”. Also, referring to the replacement of the Ashoka Chakra by a ‘Mithun’ as the official logo for Nagaland State, Rio said it was to demonstrate the Naga identity, work culture, uniqueness and unity. The logo is historical, significant and dignified, he said. He wished God’s blessing on the Sumi Nagas. The programme was organized by Concerned Citizens Forum of Zunheboto