A felicitation programme for the Tribal Research Documentation Team and the State Technical Support Team was held at the Conference Hall of the Nagaland Sales Emporium Complex (NSE), Kohima, on Friday, recognising their contribution towards documenting and preserving the cultural heritage of Nagaland’s indigenous tribes.
Prasielie Pienyü, Chairman, NHHDC, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. In his address, Pienyü said the initiative was more than a documentation exercise, describing it as an important step towards preserving cultural heritage, protecting traditional knowledge, and ensuring that the identity and traditions of Nagaland’s indigenous tribes are recorded for future generations.
He expressed gratitude to Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio for his visionary support and for approving the project through the Chief Minister’s Innovations Fund. He also appreciated the multi-departmental committee comprising representatives from the Departments of Science and Technology, Arts and Culture, Information and Public Relations, Industries and Commerce, and NSDC, for providing guidance and strategic direction.
Pienyü highlighted that 12 documentation books had been successfully completed and released by the Chief Minister, covering traditional attires, ornaments, designs, their meanings, and associated cultural practices. He described the felicitation as a gesture of appreciation for the dedication, knowledge, and commitment of all those involved, and called for continued collective efforts to preserve, protect, and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Naga people.
In his keynote address, Kekhrievor Kevichüsa, IPoS, Commissioner & Secretary, Urban Development & Municipal Affairs, reflected on the long journey of the project, noting that while the initiative was launched in 2022, the proposal process had begun in 2021. He said extensive consultations with tribal bodies and committees were necessary, given the close connection between Naga identity and culture.
He stressed the importance of documenting traditional designs and motifs to protect them from unauthorised appropriation and commercial use without acknowledgement of their origins. While appreciating the completion of documentation for 12 tribes, he also noted that some tribes were yet to finalise their decisions.
Kevichüsa further emphasised that while tribal identity remains an important part of Naga society, there was also a need to identify and celebrate the common cultural threads that bind the various Naga tribes together. He suggested that future documentation could explore these shared cultural elements alongside tribal distinctiveness.
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Kevichüsa congratulated the tribal documentation committees, representatives, tribal bodies, and the NHHDC team for their commitment, extensive consultations, and travel, stating that their collective efforts had resulted in an important cultural record for the state.
The State Technical Team and The Documentation Core Commitee members were felicitated in recognition of their contributions including Prasielie Pienyü, Chairman NHHDC-Chairperson Documentation Core Committee, Kekhrievor Kevichüsa, IPoS, Commissioner & Secretary, Urban Development & Municipal Affairs; Kumar Ramnikant, IAS, Secretary, Industries & Commerce; Er. Y Lipongse Thongtsar, Managing Director NHHDC; Adela Moa, Director, Art and Culture; Ruopfülenuo, Deputy Director, IPR; Dr. Nesatalu Hiese Lomi, Senior Scientist and Mission Director NASTEC; and Monyu Konyak, Assistant Project Officer, DUDA.
Members of the Tribal Documentation Teams representing the Angami, Ao, Konyak, Khiamniungan, Lotha, Pochury, Phom, Rengma, Sangtam, Tikhir, Sumi, and Zeliang tribes were also felicitated. The felicitation recognised their efforts and participation in documenting and preserving the cultural heritage and traditions of their respective tribes.
Ghovili Achumi, Convenor, Sumi Documentation Committee, delivered a speech on behalf of the Tribal Documentation Committee. Er Y Lipongse Thongtsar, Managing Director, NHHDC, delivered the welcome note.
The programme was chaired by Ezholü Rose, Assistant Manager, NHHDC, and concluded with the vote of thanks delivered by Dr Nesatalu Hiese Lomi, Senior Scientist and Mission Director, NASTEC.
