The Tikhir Students’ Union (TSU), the apex Student body of the Tikhirs congratulate the 1st ‘Ethnic Fashion Extravaganza’ organised by the ‘SWU Multipurpose Welfare Society’ titled ‘Enlightening The Indigenous Naga Heritage’ held on the 29th October at Dimapur.
The event with its positive and broad approach to Develop & Preserve the rich and diverse Cultural Heritage of the Nagas was responded positively by the different Cultural groups and segments of the Naga Society. The Tikhir tribe with its Independent Identity and Unique Cultural History also responded to be part of the larger cultural segment of the Nagas which was our long cherished desire.
But, the Western Yimchungers with their Platonic Mindset tried their best to attack and subjugate the unique culture of the Tikhirs with flimsy propaganda and intimidation, thinking the Tikhirs will shiver away their birthright. (The same thing happened in the recently held ‘Youth Cultural Festival’ where the Tikhir school kids participated. There too the organisers stood firm and the programme became a grand success. Over the World, even the smallest Ethnic group & Culture is being searched and revived but here the Yimchungers are trying to suppress the Independent and unique culture of the Tikhirs. The TSU wants to make it very straight to the sections of the Yimchungers: you have your own Culture & Identity and the Tikhirs have their own Culture and Identity. If you are ignorant of who the Tikhirs are, you are welcome to learn about the Tikhirs anytime, anywhere and at any level. Before doing that, don’t make a mockery of yourself thereby, destabilizing the other Naga Cultures too. The October 29th action of yours is an attack on the Tikhir Culture and birthright. The TSU will not be a silent spectator in the near future. To preserve and uphold our God given Identity the TSU is prepared for anything. Sacrificing for our Identity is a Noble cause for the TSU.
By attacking the Tikhir Culture you have spoiled the Unique Cultural Event of the whole Nagas. Nagas have vast Cultural segments and every Tribal Culture has a unique idea and distinct history behind it. These ideas and history can be disseminated and learned only when it is clearly portrayed.
It is also a pride for every tribe-big or small, to represent ones’ culture and to identify their uniqueness. If the dress one wear does not signify the culture and unique history then that dress almost become meaningless from cultural point of view. Some Yimchungers exactly did that on the 1st ‘Ethnic Cultural Extravaganza’ thereby, almost making it a mere Fashion Show.
The Yimchungers were afraid to accept the Truth. They knew well, if the Tikhirs show case their Culture, the Naga Society will clearly distinguish the unique & independent identity of the Tikhirs. So they went all out of the civilized norms to suppress the Tikhirs from representing in the Event. But, by doing so, they have exposed themselves that they have a sick mindset and still upholding the rustic principle ‘might is right’ which is useless and outdated in this present generation. Thank God, the Organisers and concerned authorities took a bold and timely action.
The TSU look forward to more of the ‘Cultural Extravaganza’ as this gives ample opportunity for all to learn from each other Cultures, while at the same time portraying to the World the Unique and Distinct Cultural Heritage of the Nagas in its fullest.
Limtsi Tikhir, President
Kiusumong Tikhir, Literary Secy
Tikhir Students’ Union (TSU), Hq: Anatongre
