The Pochury Hoho Kohima celebrated Yemshe Festival at Jubilee Hall, Cathedral Kohima on Saturday.
MLA, 9-Kohima Town, D. Tseilhuotuo Rhütso who graced the occasion as special guest, acknowledged the significant role the Pochury tribe and other communities played in his election. “I am deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in me,” he said.
Dr Rhütso also acknowledged the Pochury community for their peace-loving nature and contributions to the progress of Kohima.
Dr Rhütso mentioned that the Pochury community had been a part of Naga journey right from the British era and till now the community has been contributing not only for capital Kohima but also existing as a peace loving tribe, showing humbleness and humility to the rest of the tribes .
Highlighting about Meluri becoming a district on November 2, 2024 , Dr Rhütso said that the Pochury tribe had been honored as the first community to benefit from the Chief Minister’s Mobile Operation Theatre program, a flagship initiative aimed at providing quality healthcare services to rural areas.
He highlighted that the program was officially launched on January 26 by then Governor of Nagaland Late La Ganesan. The MLA recalled the successful health camp held in Meluri, where a significant number of surgeries were performed.
“Your district is a blessed district, which has so many natural resources. I believe one day the different parts of the Nagaland may depend on your district as a source of income and I can foresee that Meluri , very soon will be internationally renowned because it will become the route for trade with the other part of Asian countries,” Dr Rhütso noted.
Highlighting about the cultural presentation at the festival today, Dr Ato said that he is joyed to see youngsters trying to keep their culture in-depth.
Dr Rhütso also emphasized that the Yemshe festival has once again brought together the Tenyimi family. He also thanked the Pochury tribe for inviting different communities to participate in the celebration.
“This festival has showcased the broad-mindedness of the Pochury tribe. I hope this message of unity will reach out to all the tribes represented here, and that we will continue to celebrate our diversity together,” Dr Rhütso cited.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
He further said, “We are called Tenyimi not for survival, not for political gain, but we are called Tenyimi by blood , and are related by blood”. Due respect to others communities with different organizations like ENPO, EASTERN & CNTC , the leader noted that they are primarily focused on political and survival interests.
“My prayer is that our Tenyimi community will set an example for other tribes by demonstrating our commitment to unity and killing tribalism,” he added.
Dr Rhütso also urged the Tenyimi family to introspect and ensure that all tribes under the Tenyimi umbrella are truly united and looking out for each other’s welfare. He appealed the community to examine oneself so that they can spread the message of unity to other tribes.
He also volunteered himself for the community said that at present, Pochury have two MLAs and he is one of them. He urged the people to come forward and that he could be of any help to the Pochury community.
Taking the opportunity of different tribes present at the festival and also highlighting about the different organizations, the overground, the underground, Dr Ato said that there are so many selfish organisations. Citing an example of a new organization making rounds in social media highlighting about corruption, back door appointment, Dr Rhütso said that it is good to bring any change but Nagas are fed up with organizations.
The MLA also shared his experiences and insights into the functioning of the government, highlighting the limitations and challenges faced by elected representatives.
Dr. Rhütso revealed that, prior to becoming an MLA, he had assumed that elected representatives had the power to fulfill all public demands. However, he now understands that the government’s resources are limited, and that budget allocations are made for specific purposes.
The MLA emphasized that, despite their best efforts, ministers and MLAs often face difficulties in meeting public demands due to these limitations. He urged the public to understand these constraints and not resort to backbiting or criticism when their demands are not met.
Speaking about a project “ One rupee project for change,” Dr Rhütso highlighted that he is going to launch this program to create resources so that it will be utilized for the development of capital. He added that if there’s any surplus from the project it will be utilised for other districts too.
Through the project, he said that they want to bring change with one rupee. This program, Dr Ato mentioned is aimed to bring development with accountability and transparency. He also informed that they are forming a group of youths from all the tribes to look into this program.
The target of the project, he said, is if anyone is willing to contribute one rupees a day for the Nagas, it’ll cost 30 rupees in a month. It may cost 360 rupees in 12 months. Or rather 365 rupees if given every day. The project will create an account, create QR code. One can pay one rupee or 30 a month. He explained that they will circulate how much is collected and will be used for development, maybe in the form of drainage, footpath or maybe pothole repair , or even donate them to some places or if there’s surplus they may utilise it for other districts.
He hoped for participation from everyone so the income expenditure, everything will be circulated timely.
Yitachu, former Legislator in his exhortation emphasized the importance of unity, responsibility, and collective progress in Nagaland. He also said that Meluri has been blessed with a separate district, but emphasized that this comes with tremendous responsibility. He mentioned that the community needs to stand together, generate revenue, and use it for the betterment of the people.
Yitachu also urged the younger generation to equip themselves with knowledge, skills, and expertise to contribute meaningfully to the state’s progress. “We are strategically located to serve as a gateway to Southeast Asian countries, our responsibility is huge, and we must rise to the challenge.” he added.
Stating the significance of the festival, Tv Yitsuchu Trakha , General Secretary, PHK highlighted that the Yemshe is the premier festival of the Pochury (Naga) people, celebrated to welcome the new harvest. He added that this cultural event is deeply tied to agriculture, the preservation of cultural
sanctification day. The word Yemshe, he narrated is derived from two syllables: “Yem” and “She.” The syllable “Yem” originates from the words “Dhuyem” (meaning house, where homes are sanctified to welcome the new harvest) and “Yemza” (meaning granary, where the harvest will be stored). The syllable “She” comes from the word “Lushe” (meaning the delicious aroma of meat and special dishes being prepared). Until the advent of Christianity, the festival was celebrated for a period of 22 days, beginning in late September and culminating in the first week of October every year. It was observed in various phases.
Earlier during the event Tv Thosiepa Katiry , President, PHK delivered the welcome address . The program started with an invocation by Rev. Dr Z Mosa Tsang , Pastor , PBCK . Folk songs were presented by Kamaleah Range , Apoksah Range and Phoyisha Range . A special number was presented by Sv. Lolia Ngouri & Sv Avikürhe Ngouri.
Folk dance was also presented by Meluri Range. Vote of thanks was delivered by Tv Nyuvitho Nyuthe , Finance Secretary, PHK . Benediction by Svs Vizhula Nyusou, Children Pastor, PBCK.
