Dignitaries with others during PYS cultural day-cum- Sühkrühnyie at Phüsachodü on January 27. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | January 27
The Phüsachodümi Youth Society (PYS) held its 22nd cultural day-cum-Sühkrühnyie at Phüsachodümi village in Phek district on January 27 with Er Sungti Amer, Assistant Chief Engineer, CAWD Nagaland and Member, Board of Governors, NIT Nagaland as the special guest.
Sühkrühnyie is the premier festival of the Chakhesang Nagas.
Extending Sühkrühnyie greetings, Er Amer said that in its essence, the festival represents a fresh beginning- a reaffirmation of hope, prosperity, unity and wellbeing for the entire Chakhesang community.
Youth are the custodians of our future and inheritors of our rich legacy, he said, adding “Upon your shoulders rests the sacred responsibility of preserving our cultural heritage while leading the community towards progress and development.”
He said that the destiny of the society will be shaped by the choices they (youth) made, the values they uphold and the actions they take.
“You are endowed with youthful energy, creativity, and the power to bring about meaningful change,” he said.
Er Amer continued that, with proper education, discipline and strong moral values, youth can emerge as responsible leaders who will guide the tribe and the nation towards peace, unity and prosperity.
Further, he called upon the youth to use their time wisely, commit themselves to learning and service, participate actively in social and community initiatives, promote education and awareness, volunteer selflessly and above all, respect and uphold the rich culture and traditions.
Phüsachodümi Village Council Chairman, Velapa Theluo shared greetings and called upon the people to take pride in their rich culture and tradition to foster a strong sense of identity.
PYS President, Küduveta Vero said that Sühkrühnyie is not just a festival of purification but also a festival of thanksgiving, and the joy of a community life.
“It reminds us of the rich cultural heritage handed down to us by our forefathers. It reminds us the blessings of God, upon our people with the rich culture-the languages, attires, songs, dances, talents etc, besides a festival of reaffirming our bond of peace, unity, and harmony,” Vero said.
He called upon the people to “rededicate ourselves to the rich cultural identity and traditional values of being honest, hard work, and discipline so that our culture will continue to give us a strong roots and a clear sense of direction even while the world around us is fast changing and challenging.”
May the celebration strengthens our bond, encourage our talents and inspires us to preserve our culture with pride and dignity, he added.
Later, the village youth competed in the various cultural activities- Kazhe, Mücü, Niehimozho, women group folk song, folk dance and men group song.
The running prize for folk dance for both men and women was sponsored by Dr Chotisuh Sazo, former speaker, Nagaland Legislative Assembly and Lt Vezovo Chüzho.
The prize for Niehimozho was sponsored by Nüzota Swüro, ex- MLA, while prizes for Men Group Folk Song, Women Group Folk Song, Mücü, Kazhe and group champion was sponsored by late Upanülü Khamo, Lt Ciekrocülü Cümu, Sorüh Vero, Lt Vehüshu Medeo and Lt Vechoziihyi Lüpo-o respectively.
Earlier, Rev Velacüyi Khamo, Pastor PBC invoked God’s blessings while acknowledgment was led by PYS cultural secretary Vedühü Chüzho.
Phüsachodümi Union Pfutsero and Zhove Cultural Troupe made special presentation. Vote of thanks and prize distribution was led by PYS Vice President, Chosühyi Khamo while benediction was pronounced by Mülükhoyi Müra-o, Asst. Pastor PBC. The programme was compered by Küvethito Cürhah and Vetsokholü Cürhah.
Vekhosa Kotso, DIG (PHQ), Robert Longchari, Commissioner & Secretary for Transport Department, Govt of Nagaland, Kesosul Christopher Ltu, President Angami Youth Organization, Warren Hollohon, DC HQ, T Phoji, Joint Secretary horticulture, Kuduve Keyho, PS to Advisor CAWD & taxes, Kegwayhun Tep, President Rengma Selo Zi, Muphatho Nyuthe, President Pochury Youth Organization and several other dignitaries and leaders from various organizations were also present at the celebration.
