The Governor of Nagaland La Ganesan released of special Postal cover on Naga Back Basket (NBB) at Drawing Room, Raj Bhavan, Kohima on 13 July 2023. He appreciated the effort of the department of Postal, Government of India in releasing this Special Cover of the Naga Back Basket which is a tribute to all Naga mothers and Naga Women.
Releasing the Postal cover, the Governor said that a Naga back basket holds important relevance in the Naga Society. He stated that it is used not just to carry water, firewood, rice or vegetables by the Naga women, but also often gifted to a girl by her parents or by her parents or beloved as a sign of love and affection.
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The Governor mentioned that more often not a women’s handwork and contributions to a family goes unappreciated. He said that NBB is usually associated with a rural Naga woman. He added that this NBB epitomizes handwork, responsibility and affection of the Naga Women.
The Governor narrated on how the Naga people in the past produced their baskets which are usually woven out of cane or bamboo in most Naga homes for domestic use. He also said that baskets are constructed by the man folk during the leisure time after they return home from their toils in the field. In olden days there were no professional weavers and that every man was a professional in basket weaving in his own right and weaves for his family, which signifies economic independence and self sufficiency, he added.
The Governor said that Nagaland has a rich history of culture and tradition but with changing times, the younger generation is losing touch with traditional practices and values. He expressed his happiness that the older generation is becoming aware of this these days and also said the Naga civilsSocieties have tasked upon themselves to teach revive the dying cultural practices and traditional arts.
Ganesan gave an exemplary, by one such society found mentioned in Mann Ki Baat programme of our PM Narendra Modi – The Lidi Kro-u Society from Kohima that is doing a wonderful job in teaching and promoting Naga arts including traditional basket weaving to younger generation. He also added that like Lidi Kro-u Society, there are numerous other societies doing bits for promotion of Indigenous culture.
Further, the Governor stated that the importance of preserving and propagating our culture can never be overstated as it is our identity. He said this effort by the postal department in releasing of Special cover on NBB will have a boost to efforts towards the preservation and promotion of culture and traditional practices. Governor Ganesan acknowledged the department for this initiative and wished them in their future ventures towards public service.
Today a Special cover on “Naga Back Basket” was released by Shri. La. Ganesan, Hon’ble Governor Nagaland at Kohima. @IndiaPostOffice pic.twitter.com/7GU1AHU4xD
— North East Postal Circle (@cpmgnortheast) July 13, 2023
Superintendent of Post office, Nagaland L Tiken Singh in his speech said this initiative release the special cover on NAGA BACK BASKET has been made to popularize the handicrafts of Nagaland. He said this skill in basketry is an intrinsic part of everyday life of the Nagas. He apprised that each tribe in Nagaland has a distinct style of basketry and locally available bamboo, and cane are fashioned by them into verities of baskets and containers.
Singh said that the department’s 70 new Branch Posts offices has been approved to be open in rural areas in Nagaland for providing banking facilities within 5 KM to all the unbanked villages. He stated that these new offices will be made operational within this Fiscal year bringing the total posts office in Nagaland to 400 out of which 43 is departmental post offices and 357 Branches post office. He also shared that Nagaland Postal Division has released Special Cover on all the 4 GI tagged product of the State of Nagaland namely-Naga Mircha, Naga Tree tomato, Nagaland Sweet Cucumber and Chakhesang Shawal.
The program was attended by Secretary to Governor Rajesh Soundararajan, officers and staff of Raj Bhavan and other officials.
The program was chaired by Kevikhrielie Kirha and vote of thanks was pronounced by Assistant Superintendent of Post Offices, Nagaland Deepak Chandra Das.
