Advisor Tovihoto Ayemi, Tribal Affairs and Election Department stated that Nagas are gradually losing their identity and called upon the collective responsibility to pass on the legacy of the rich Naga heritage to the younger generations.
Ayemi expressed these concerns during the celebration of Jan Jatiya Gaurav Divas 2023 ,”Tribal Folk Song and Dance” which was held on November 21 at “The Garden” Kohima.
Advisor Tovihoto Ayemi, Tribal Affairs and Election department, in his speech, briefed about the celebration which commemorates the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, a prominent name in the struggle for India’s Independence, and is dedicated to honouring the tribal people of the country. As part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav from November 15 to 22, the celebration is the initiative of the government to mainstream the tribes and give a roadmap for all round development.
He highlighted that India has the second-largest tribal population in the world and as per 2011 Census, the tribal population, which constitutes about 8.9 percent or about 10.4 crores of India’s total population, has contributed a lot in making the country a culturally vibrant nation. The rich cultural heritage of the Naga tribes also contributes to the vast diversity of India.
For many years, the immense contribution of the tribals in the country remained unaware and untold despite the fact that constitution provides special provisions for tribal communities, recognizing their unique socio-cultural characteristics and the need for their protection. “It is the BJP party that paved the path of bringing the tribal communities into the mainstream,” asserted Ayemi, who expressed gratitude to the BJP government led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for declaring to recognise the importance of tribals and their role in nation-building, to honour the cultures, legacies and ways of life of the tribals.
“The BJP government firmly believes that true secularism and social justice is ensured only when the benefit of all the government schemes reach everyone in the same measure. And therefore, in translating the vision of Saba Saath Saba Vikas to fruition, the Government of India has focused on development of tribes and conservation of their heritage and culture as a priority,” maintained Ayemi.
The Advisor was also of the view that the people of Nagaland are also benefiting from a number of schemes initiated by the government to enhance the livelihood of the tribal communities. Ayemi highlighted schemes and programs such as Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) to promote art and craft and other produce of tribal people, establishment of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), provision of scholarships to 26.37 lakh tribal students through DBT from 1st April 2022 to December 31 2022, and teacher training programs, approval of a total outlay of Rs. 28,920 Cr for setting up of 452 new Eklavya Model Residential schools, upgradation of existing 211 schools and establishment of 15 Centres of Excellence for Sports for the year 2021-22 to 2025-26.
“Our cultural heritage is the legacy of the ways of living from the past and our identity. We must celebrate cultural energy to remind us of our rich heritage, bringing back remembrances of our ancestors’ culture, heritage and psyche,” stated Ayemi who however rued that Naga society is deviating away for its age-old heritage. Instead of preserving and taking pride in one’s culture, Nagas are gradually losing its identity.
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Acknowledging that such occasions contributes to the promotion of culture, Ayemi further asserted, “No matter what, we must never lose our rich culture and our identity that makes us who we are. It is our collective responsibility to give shape to the future of coming generations by passing on the grand legacy of our heritage to younger generations. The elders must invoke love our heritage in the minds of younger generations by acquainting the young generation with our glorious past.”
Angelina Tajen (NCS), Secretary, Tribal Affairs Department in her welcome address mentioned that as a tribal state, Nagaland is inhabited by a diverse tribal population of different tribes. “Each tribe has its own distinct dialect or language, dress, costumes and traditions and even food preferences. Despite this diversity, there always existed a sense of unity due to our common values, culture, history, and politics,” stated Tajen.
She stated that the Divas is a day to acknowledge the contributions made by the tribals in nation building through efforts into preservation of cultural heritage, values and national pride.
Earlier, Angap Ngapgang sang the National anthem, while cultural folk song and dance was presented by the Sumi, Sangtam , Ao ,Rengma , Phom ,Chakesang,Kuki ,Lotha, Kachari ,Tikhir ,Angami,Chang, Khiamniungan,Pochury,Zeliang ,Konyak and Yimkhiung tribes.
Keziah Semy and Paulai presented special performances and I. Sino Phom Director, Tribal Affairs pronounced the vote of thanks.
