The Sanglao Students’ Union in collaboration with Sanglao Village Council celebrated traditions and cultures under the theme ‘Yesterday’s Lifestyle, Today’s Identity’ on 5 January at Kitie Khingteu, Sanglao village under Noklak District.

The Special Guest of the event was H Pukho, president of Mobile and Drivers Union, Noklak and also the former president of Khiamniungan Tribal Council (KTC).

Stating that cultural values and oneness among the community was upheld highly in the olden days, Pukho said events such as the one being celebrated on Thursday is meant for young people.

Special Guest H Pukho.

He further said education is one thing that can mould the generations, provided the youths are wise, while the support of the parents is equally needed.

The special guest pointed out that though modern education has paved ways towards numerous advantages, the practice of abusive substance intake has affected the younger generation which can result in “generation-gap” becoming the biggest threat of this time.

Pukho said that it becomes the fault of the older ones if children do not know their own culture. It is necessary and important to hand down olden values and at the same time inculcate education which can balance and determine the future, he emphasised.

Village Council Chairman Puchou.

Village Council Chairman Puchou, in his exhortation, said celebrating cultures today bridges the gap between the older and younger generations. He urged the youths to re-ignite olden values such as unity and honesty. Losing those is losing identity, he added.

Village Head GB Khongo.

Village Head GB Khongo, speaking on the significance of Khautsausie Hoka festival, said it is a celebration of the forgiving and honouring of one’s own kins and relatives especially warriors in the olden days, and also a time of offering thanksgiving to God for the plentiful harvest. The GB urged the gathering to continue the practice of honour with Christian ways of living.

As part of the event, a cultural dance was performed by Sanglao Ahang Hoikam (Sanglao Cultural Group).

A folk song was presented by E Pujong while the Sanglao Cultural Group demonstrated the practices of headhunting and the lifestyle of the forefathers.

E Pujong and youths presenting a folk song (top); Sanglao Ahang Hoikam demonstrating honour towards close kins.

The Sanglao Mienyu Hoikam (Sanglao Mothers’ Association) presented ‘Seisei-ie’, an act filled with light humour in which a group of women sit together and playfully make fun of each other in a good natured way.

Sanglao Mienyu Hoikam presents ‘Seisei-ie’.

Earlier, the program was chaired by Pulong T and Sujang T.

The invocation was delivered by Jongmo Deacon and the welcome address by Bem Lushing. The vote of thanks was delivered by Pukho A and the benediction pronounced by Changchem, deacon.

Sanglao village lies 44km from Noklak district headquarters with a household number of 561.