The Kohima Lotha Hoho organized a cultural exchange programme titled “A Lead into 50 Years of Kohima Lotha Hoho” under the theme “Integrating Cultures for Common Good” at RCEMPA, Jotsoma, on October 8.

Special Guest, Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, Advisor for School Education & SCERT, in his solidarity message, highlighted that the Kohima Lotha Hoho has been conducting various programmes throughout the year to mark its 50th anniversary—ranging from sanitation drives and women empowerment initiatives to youth career guidance and colony programmes.

He said that the day’s event marked another momentous milestone, adding, “Fifty years is a very long journey.” He also extended best wishes to the community for the upcoming Tokhü Emong celebration on November 7.

Yhome emphasized the importance of identity and unity among Nagas, stating, “Our identity and unity should go on. Perhaps, because of our political situation, Nagas have failed to understand each other’s distinctive characteristics, perhaps failed to understand that we all come from different identities,” he said and urged everyone to live in unity without differentiation.

He urged introspection, noting, “Perhaps our design thinking, how to push forward our society is becoming twisted? Today we need to rethink on how to go ahead.”

Recalling the struggles of the Naga people under British rule, Yhome said that the fear of taxes had mobilized the Naga national movement led by A Z Phizo. He further reflected on Nagaland’s educational progress, observing, “Kohima was made capital and we got statehood. These days there are many educated Nagas. However, in 1918, we had our first matriculate. In 1924, we had our first graduate.

The second graduate was from my village.  Third Naga graduate was Mayangnokcha 1927. In my village the first graduate was in 1926 and second was 1952”.

“So, it took one generation for Kohima Village to produce its second graduate. How wonderful it is now!. Every household, every family has educated children. From nothing, we have become the third most literate state in the country,” he said.

He called for rebuilding trust with the rest of India, asserting, “India never trusted the Nagas. But we must rebuild our pride…let people trust us, show that we have our legacy and history…that we can be expected to be trusted so that we walk ahead for the aspirations for our children.”

He further said small and big communities have come together and built Naga society and Lotha Hoho is no less as contributor.

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Yhome expressed joy that the community took up the challenge to call all tribal leaders to be part of this joy and happiness and praised the Lotha community in Kohima calling them “representatives of the best among their people and community.”
He also encouraged Nagas to reinvent their culture and communication as society becomes more cosmopolitan, saying, “No culture will remain monolithic—it has to be reinvented.”

Host of the event, Advisor for Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan, in his keynote address, described the cultural exchange as “a meaningful prelude to the 50 years of Kohima Lotha Hoho.” He said the theme “Integrating Cultures for Common Good” reflects the essence of Kohima as a living mosaic of Nagaland’s diverse tribes and communities. He also added the traditions converge, languages and dialects intermingle, and identities are shared in fellowship.

“Kohima has given us not only a home but also a responsibility—to respect, preserve, and weave our differences into a common fabric of unity and progress,” Yanthan said. He further highlighted that over the last five decades, the Kohima Lotha Hoho has stood as a guardian of cultural identity, a voice of the people, and a partner in the journey of community building.

Yanthan also expressed gratitude to the Kohima Lotha Hoho for conceiving the idea of a Cultural Exchange Programme and for organizing it by inviting all the Naga tribes of Kohima. This initiative, he said is not only about understanding and showcasing each other’s culture, but it is also about bringing our tribes together, fostering stronger relationships, and deepening the bonds of unity among the citizens of Kohima.

Yanthan maintained that the program is not merely an entertainment of songs and dances—it is a conscious step to celebrate the richness of cultures and to remind ourselves that the strength of Nagaland lies in the diversity of its people.

“Culture is more than tradition; it is a bridge. When we exchange stories, customs, and values, we do not lose our identity—we deepen it. By listening to the music of another tribe, learning the steps of another dance, or sharing the story of another people, we cultivate empathy, respect, and shared humanity,” Yanthan added.

He further highlighted that their theme calls to action. Integrating cultures for the common good means, breaking barriers of misunderstanding and prejudice, encouraging dialogue and cooperation among all communities, creating platforms for our young generation to experience and inherit not only their own heritage but also the beauty of others, building a society where diversity is not seen as division, but as strength, he added.

“We are living in times of great change. The world is moving fast, technology is reshaping how we live, and our youth are seeking identities that connect the past with the present. In such times, culture must be our anchor. If we root ourselves in respect, openness, and unity, no challenge can divide us,” he added.

The advisor also paid his respect to the pioneers of Lotha communities who laid the foundations of Kohima as a cosmopolitan capital. He stated that their vision, sacrifices, and courage brought the community to where they stand today.

“As we step into the golden jubilee year of the Kohima Lotha Hoho, may this Cultural Exchange Programme reignite in us the spirit of fellowship, the pride of heritage, and the commitment to unity. Together, let us build bridges, not walls; let us plant seeds of harmony for posterity; and let us walk forward—diverse in identity, but united in purpose,” he added.

Co- host, Y Mhonbemo Humtsoe, MLA in his speech conveyed his appreciation to Kohima Lotha Hoho. He highlighted that as the Kohima Lotha Hoho embarks on its journey to completing 50 years of its existence, he said that Kohima Lotha Hoho has over the decades played a vital role in upholding the values, traditions and identity of Lotha community in Kohima. He also stated that the Hoho has been identifying platforms, promoting understanding and fostering brother and preserving culture.

Co- Host Achumbemo Kikon, MLA in his speech also brought greetings on behalf of Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton. Kikon also congratulated the President and Colleagues of Kohima Lotha Hoho for achieving 50 years of existence.

He said that Nagas by nature are very strong and proud people and that it is a legacy inherited from forefathers. He also added that Nagas are bonded by traditions and culture.

Kikon further reminded the gathering as Nagas gather together and form a bigger community in Modern era there is no question of one tribe against the other tribe. He also impressed upon all that Nagas are one, God has not chosen only one but in the eyes of the God Nagas are also chosen people.  He also state that Nagas must come together and become a united platform.

Thejao Viheinuo, President Angami Public Organization in his greetings congratulated for reaching a milestone of 50 years. He acknowledged that Lothas has been in Kohima for more than 50 years and the early Lotha settlers in Kohima landed themselves with different communities of Kohima particularly with Angamis remarkably. They were an integral part in building Kohima to what it is today. He also thanked the community for the contribution for building Kohima town. He also acknowledged the community for providing leadership to the town community.

He said that it would all be well recorded in history of Kohima town and committee. He also urged upon the community to carry forward the legacy of early Lotha settlers and further strengthen the bond between Angamis and Lothas .

Dr Thanghoi Lam , President Khiamniugan Union Kohima on behalf of Kohima based tribal body also expressed appreciation for the commendable journey of the Lotha Community in Kohima. Lam also acknowledged that the Lotha community has not only brought changes in Kohima but brought gospel and good gifts to the other Naga communities.

The event began with an invocation by Rev Fr Mhabemo Humtsoe, Parish Priest of SFS Kohima.

KN Mhonthung Lotha, Chairman of Kohima Lotha HOHO, delivered the welcome address. The program included musical performances by various artists, including Yentsso Von, Neilaiu Taphrü, Tumchobeni Tsopoe, Thunonulu, and Mhasenro Shitio.

Lujeka Assumi, Associate Pastor of SBCK, pronounced the benediction. The program was compered by Khyojano TCK and Thungashan Ngullie. The event showcased the community’s spirit and talent, highlighting the importance of faith and culture.

The second session of the program also witnessed cultural regale where Lotha Yachummaro Cultural Troupe (Lotha) presented Nsuka Khen , Nohlie by Avikhürhe Ngouri & Loila Ngouri (Pochury), Amen Khen by Kohima Aor Telongjem (Ao), That’s my King by T Lushian Lam (solo) (Khiamniungan) , Voices of the Hill by Litingse & Co (Sangtam), Lomi Aghacho Toi by Vipito V Swu (Sumi) , Tati Pthe by Ho We Ho Kro Jotsoma (Angami) , Taimiphu Shin Pokliu by Thikir Sisters (Thikir) , Nehi mozho Hanu Diyole by Vekutalu & Co (Chakhesang) among others.