An artisan demonstrates his traditional woodcraft skills at the International Day of Older Persons event organized by the Department of Social Welfare in Kohima.
Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 4
The Department of Social Welfare, Government of Nagaland, engaged nine elderly persons from Kohima, Wokha, Mokokchung and Phek districts to showcase their skills in woodcraft, traditional jewelry and Naga rain coat-making during the state-level observance of the International Day of Older Persons in Kohima on October 1.
The initiative sought to recognize and provide a platform for the skills of elderly persons while also helping younger generations understand and appreciate the traditional crafts of the Nagas, Social Welfare department Director Tosheli Zhimomi stated.
Among those showcasing their skills was 88-year-old Imchatemsu, a retired transport inspector from Mokokchung, who displayed his woodcraft at the programme.
The woodcraft skills were also demonstrated by Tumohio, 72, from Wokha; Zevolhoulie Terhase, 50; Diezelie Terhase, 83; and Zakievi Terhase, 83, all from Kohima.
Traditional jewelry products were displayed by 75-year-old Suwala from Mokokchung and Pezano Chasie, 81, from Kohima.
Representing Phek district, Wetezou Chirhah, 60, and Lhikoweu Chirhah, 47, exhibited Naga rain coat products.
The department’s initiative brought together elderly persons from different districts and highlighted the skills and traditional knowledge they continue to practise. The number of elderly people in Nagaland stands at 7 percent, or 1,39,494 persons, as per the 2011 Census, of the total population in the State.
