The Tenyimi Union Nagaland (TUN) held its first foundation day under the theme “Peace through Unity” on June 22 at Kohima Village VDB hall, Ziekezou Kohima.
Speaker Razouvotuo Chatsu, President APO and Convenor, Advisory Board TUN highlighted on how the formation of Tenyimia Union Nagaland was necessitated in order to resolve domestic affairs whenevercircumstances arises.
“There are times where the government invite the union to share their views and opinions and sometimes they cannot share their hopes to help the government frame their policy and ideas. There are times when there are misunderstanding and criticism arises toward the leaders where certain speeches are made and so there is a need to discuss matters internally,” stated Chatsu
Drawing attention to a leadership crisis in the present generation, Chatsu said, “We are facing a crisis because we are not loyal to each other anymore. We have too many leaders in our midst but there is a need for God fearing leaders. We should ask ourselves if there is a need for God fearing leaders,” said Chatsu.
Stressing the need to uphold honesty and responsibility in leadership, Chatsu also highlighted the many moral values upheld and adhered by Tenyimia ancestors whose legacy has benefited the Tenyimia community where other communities seek the counsel and advise of Tenyimia leaders for important decisions.
Timikha Koza TPO President, in his exhortation shares the values of the past and urged the need to keep on passing the good practices. “Tenyimia people are blessed with good value and tradition so we should keep that alive and pass it to the other younger generation. The best tradition passed down for generation was the practises of respecting elders and women. Learn to talk things out with village leaders and elders before going to social media. Let us cultivate the habit of going forward and to lead toward more unity and harmony,” said Koza.
Kekhwengulo Lea, in his Presidential address, informed that the TUN office was installed on June 23, 2023, but the date falling on a Sunday, they had to reschedule it for June 22, 2024.
With the initiative of the Apex tribal bodies of Angami, Chakhesang, Pochury, Rengma, and Zeliang and the nomination committee consist of Razouvotuo Chatsu Convenor, Vezühii Keyho, Pollem Tep, Eno. Kevipele Theilung, Chop Jurry, formed TUN one year ago with the following objective:
1. To protect the rights and interests of the Tenyimi
2. To foster unity, brotherhood, and understanding among the Tenyimi brothers and sisters
3. To preserve, promote, and research the Tenyimi culture and heritage,
4. To cooperate with and strengthen the Tenyimi People’s Organization (TPO)
5. To maintain and promote peace and Tranquility with all people.
“We come together not as like-minded people but as a family by blood. Our coming together is not against anybody but to make one of the strong pillars for Naga unity and peace,” stated the President.
He also added that the theme of peace through unity is best chosen based on the needs of the Tenyimia family in particular and Nagas in general. “Therefore, unless we come together and forgive in the true spirit of reconciliation, the desire for Unity and peace will be just a dream,” said Lea.
In this regard, the TUN appealed to the brothers and sisters of Tenyimi to forgive their past differences and any hurt feelings toward each other and to uphold the inherent traditional values of equitable justice, humble ourselves in our respective fields of work, and work for Naga unity and peace.
Lea expressed hope that the motto of integrity and justice be the guiding principles for a better and more progressive future.
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In his welcome address, Helievi-o Solo Chairman, Kohima Village Council expressed that the need for this forum is now more important than ever before. With Naga society being fragmented for unthinkable motives and reasons, Solo urged that the Tenyimia Union Nagaland and the Tenyimia community elders must stand united and stand for truth and justice.
“A time has come for all the Tenyimia people to come together and build a strong society that can withstand all adversaries and we must also be the bridge between different communities, villages, speak for the lesser privilege and give voice to the voiceless,” stated Solo.
As elders of the community, Solo implored the need to conscientize the younger generation about one’s genealogy; sense of respect for the elders as the epitome of our thriving community; to uphold and protect our roots; and imbibe a culture on the importance of maintaining one’s identity and dignity so that outside forces do not come in to dominate or “manipulate our people in our own respective lands”.
He also requested the Tenyimia Union Nagaland about the need to organize regular interactions through webinars, seminar to promote native songs, folk dances, stories, indigenous sports, games and local festivals and village exchange program specially for the youth to keep traditions alive as modern technology and the ills of modern gadgets is overtaking us. The importance of discussing any issues among verbally, face to face and not through the usages of social media was also highlighted.
During the event, Rüsokhrie Krotho group performed a Tati Pfhe. The program was earlier blessed with invocation by Er. Achakbo Newmai Deacon, Liangmai Baptist Church Kohima and a closing prayer by Joseph Thuvuri, Asst Pastor Pochury Christian Revival Church Kohima. Peteroko Zetsuvi pronounced the vote of thanks while Zhonelü Tunyi, President TWUN greeted the gathering.
