Kohima Ongpangkongtsür Telongjem celebrates 25 years
Kohima, November 30 (MExN): In a fast changing world where even culture cannot stay aloft from the dynamics of changes, women have a big responsibility to safeguard and preserve the culture especially in Naga society, stated Dr Aokumla Walling, Assistant Professor, Nagaland University, Kohima Campus, at the celebration of 25th anniversary of Kohima Ongpangkongtsür Telongjem at Molu Ki, Kohima on Tuesday.
Speaking on the theme, “Transformation towards a better future together,” Walling said that when an organisation or a social institution attains a milestone, it calls for a moment to reflect and make changes with the future in mind. “In this regard women must take ownership of their inbuilt strength and wisdom to safeguard one's own culture against the threat posed by the changing times,” she said.
While disavowing any hatred toward putting the scissors to traditional attires, she pointed that “Our culture changes in a negative sense when we change the way we have been dressing from time immemorial," and added that some restrain had to be practiced when it comes to such things.
Walling said that while the need to reopen the discussion on topics such as 33% reservation for women in the Urban Local Bodies (ULB), the assimilation of women into the village council and inheritance norms is due, the immediate need for Ao women is to unite, she said.
Pointing out that men are blamed often whenever there is a discussion about the need to alleviate the status of women in a society, she said that in many cases “it is because of the disunity and the jealousy between women.”
A press release stated that Guest of Honour, CEO Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), Alemtemshi Jamir, while lauding the women of Ongpangkong range for playing a pivotal role in preserving the tradition of the community.
Stating that Jubilee is a time to strengthen the customs and traditions, Jamir added “I hope that this great tradition continues so that the whole culture of the people is conserved through this effort.”
He said that even though we cannot viscerally feel the changes, the world is changing rapidly and an organisation needs to be aware of such changes as it will reach our shore in no time.
Raising concerns on the normalisation of same sex marriage, Jamir questioned how the Naga society is prepping to address these concepts when it reaches our society. Jamir also raised the issue of the fast disappearing traditions when it comes to the clothing habit, mother tongue and folklores and placed high importance for children to visit their villages and grandparents in a bid to reconnect with their heritage.
One of the pioneers of the Union, Dr I Bendangla Longkumer regaled the memorable moments when the Union was instituted under the guidance and the support of the former CM of Nagaland Dr SC Jamir and his wife. Stating that while there are many organisations around the world formed to bring about change through fellowship, "Work toward the equality of women in the society, not only for the women of Aos but for the women of the world in general remains the primary goal for the union.'
President, Kohima Ongpangkong Union, Jongpongtoshi said that one of the great things about the Ao Nagas is the mercy and the understanding of the women folks. Ao women have played a key role in the progress of the community right from the start and they still play a prominent role in our society. As we move along with the rapid changing world, let us all take steps together in unity and in sync with the present generation, he added.
