The denizens of Khonoma village celebrated Thekranyi Festival 2023 under the theme ‘Excelling in the 21st century’ at the Community Hall, Terhotsiese, Khonoma on Saturday.
Advisor to Chief Minister, Nagaland & Chairman IDAN and Special Guest, Abu Metha speaking on the occasion acknowledged God’s blessings for the auspicious day in celebrating Thekranyi. He also acknowledged the people of Khonoma for their contribution to the journey of making ‘Nagaland’.
Metha said that Khonoma village has given its best sons and daughters to the Naga people in all walks of life, be it in the aspiration of Nagas to achieve permanent and lasting peace in an honourable manner, be it in the journey of Naga people or post statehood or in public and social life or in the movement of Naga’s aspiration for development in all sectors. He acknowledged that he was grateful to the legendary personalities and leaders of this village who have given their ultimate sacrifices for the sake of Nagas.
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Metha stated that the aim of the government is development and progress in an inclusive manner therefore every citizen of Nagaland being a member of team Nagaland should cooperate and progress for development. He also mentioned, with reference to the theme of the festival, that the youths should get acquainted with quality education and technology as the world is moving at a very fast pace with technological advancement every day, therefore in order to excel in the 21st century youths should empower and equip themselves with quality education to combat the hurdles and overcome the challenges of the new era toward excellence.
He also advocated the tools and use of social media platforms stating that social media should be used judiciously on a positive manner.
He mentioned that Khonoma village is a legendary village and already a known tourist destination village and suggested exploring more horticulture.
Metha stated, Nagaland is known as the land of festivals because it promotes our culture and highlights our heritage and hence, we are able to preserve our traditions for the coming generations.
He also assured that the ‘Thekranyi’ festival will become an official part of the Nagaland calendar and even suggested setting up a Khonoma Green fund to improve the economy so that various aspects of the environment and biodiversity are being managed.
Earlier, he congratulated the village for bringing up the first woman in the history of Nagaland as a minister. Meanwhile, he also brought the ‘talks and greetings’ of the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio to the people of Khonoma for the festival.
Happy to be part of the colourful Thekranyi, a festival of the peer group of #KhonomaVillage to commence plantation, agriculture being the main source of livelihood. This annual festival is celebrated from the one-day wage (savings from the previous year) of all the peer groups. pic.twitter.com/wcZBncG6IL
— Salhoutuonuo Kruse (@k_salhoutuonuo) May 20, 2023
Earlier, Minister of Horticulture & Women Resources and host of the festival, Salhoutuonuo Kruse highlighted the significance of the festival and stated that Thekranyi is a festival of the youth where the young and the aged enjoy and feast using their earnings from agricultural labour. She also said that this festival marks the beginning for the farmers to start agriculture and farming activities. She also elaborated that this festival is a time when youths go to their foster parents’ homes to feast
In his short speech, Advisor, Youth Resources and Sports, Keoshu Yimchunger acknowledged and shared his experience visiting the green village, he said that he has observed and learned so much in his visit. Khonoma is not only a clean village but a highly potential village, the Advisor said, adding that he was happy to see so many aged groups joining and sharing their love with the young ones. He said that such kind of blessing comes only with love, cooperation, and inheriting the good message and practice of age-old traditions.
Advisor, School Education & SCERT, Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome and Chairman of Nagaland State Mineral Development Corporation Ltd (NSMDC), Kuputo Shohe were among the dignitaries who took part in the Thekranyi festival on Saturday.