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Naga Council, Dimapur turns 60 year |
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Posted by Admin A
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Friday, 13 November 2009 04:59 |
 Sixty years is a long, long time. Many things have changed since 1949. As we grow with time, memories of the past fade and history is pushed to the back seat. We have no choice because life must go on and we must catch up in order to keep afloat with the times. Yet, without a trip back to the past, life remains incomplete. It is occasions such as jubilees and anniversaries that bring back the beauty and glory of the past which in turn reaffirm our faith, hope and determination to move ahead. The past become a source of inspiration to strive for greater things. The history of Naga Council is no exception.
President’s Welcome Address at the Inaugural Programme
Sometime in 1949, a group of Nagas who settled early in Dimapur huddled together to promote the welfare of the Nagas under the banner of ‘Naga Club’ led by Pehielie Angami. There were only a handful of them which perhaps gave them more reason to close ranks. None perhaps imagined or was conscious at the time that what they sowed would ever grow, let alone bear fruit. A decade later, more came and the Naga Club became Tribal Council. By the Sixties the Naga Council of today actually took shape. It is today a conglomeration of 19 Naga tribes based in Dimapur and two mass-based organizations, namely the Dimapur Naga Women Hoho and the Dimapur Naga Students’ Union. The Naga Council kept the social fabric of the Nagas and citizens of Dimapur in order. The Celebration of Harmony in this 60th year of Naga Council is possible because of the toils and sacrifice of all pioneers who had the wisdom, patience and vision to build the society into what it is today. If today, we lament over the lost glory of the past, a major factor is because we have replaced rationality with recklessness. This remains the challenge for all of us.
A truly amazing streak runs into the Naga Council. Every single tribe has a unique character, taste and inclination. It is neither easy nor expected in a cauldron of 19 tribes to see eye to eye on every issue. The Naga Council has developed a two-way traffic of trust and respect for each other where collision or accidents hardly takes place. This indeed is the beauty of brotherhood and the presence of God amongst us. The motto in the Logo of Naga Council reads ALL IN ONE. The three words sums up the entire meaning of Naga Council and its purpose - it considers that all are equal, all are brothers, all are together and all must get justice. Naga Council began with the aim to keep people together. It continues to do so. Today, the 60th anniversary is a celebration of many tribes and communities joining hands in harmony. The goal of this event is to foster trust and harmony among all citizens of Dimapur and to create a sense of oneness. It is aimed at providing an opportunity for the citizens to be happy and to enjoy life under a multiplicity of colour, culture and tradition. I am profoundly moved by the joyous spirit and enthusiasm exuded by fellow citizens of Dimapur, both Nagas and non-Nagas alike in the run-up to the Festival culminating with today’s massive gathering.
This will never be possible without the blessing and support of all affiliated tribes and organizations, Nagas and non-Nagas. Naga Council is especially grateful to Hon’ble Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio who proposed that we should celebrate the joyous occasion with indigenous citizens with whom we have lived together for so long both in good times and the bad. We acknowledge that a sustained peace has prevailed under his able leadership which has enabled us to conduct this event in an atmosphere of peace and cooperation. This combination of culture is the one special feature that will keep Naga Council Cultural Festival apart from all other festivals of the past. Such an event has never been tested on ground till today.
The success of this occasion is because of every citizen’s prayer, moral, physical, financial backing and support in numerous style.
One person who kept the hopes of Naga Council going on and on towards preparation of this celebration is none other than the indomitable Mrs Hekali Zhimomi, IAS, Director of NEZCC. It is with her constant encouragement and assurances that the Naga Council forged ahead with its ambitious plans for this Festival. The support rendered by the Director and her team at NEZCC in co-sponsoring this event will indeed be remembered at all times with gratitude.
Although the ‘birthday boy’ is a Naga, it is the non-Naga friends and communities who virtually became the driving force at the community level to make the celebration a possibility through their generous giving! I remember the first time a joint co-ordination meeting of all tribes, organizations and non-Naga Communities was held on 3rd October, as many as 8 (eight) persons from one single community representing all their 8 clans in that community gladly participated and assured total co-operation. This is the Marwari Community and they kept their date with Naga Council. They deserve our full praise. Similarly, the Gorkhas, the Muslim community, the Bengali community, the Kacharis, Garos and first time ever Tibetans have rendered full support towards making this Festival a grand success. Many Departments, Officers and businessmen have stepped forward in solidarity with this public venture. We are deeply grateful to all of them. The GPRN at Hebron and GPRN at Khehoi have readily come forward in full support of the people’s combined Festival. Their valuable support has added greater meaning towards peace and harmonious social co-existence.
As we reach this milestone of the 60th year, my salute goes to all brave pioneers, immediate past presidents Late Horangse Sangtam, Late NT Longkumer and a host of presidents, general secretaries, past councilors for all the ground works and the foundation that they have built for us to step into a new era with joy and hope. What they did to me and to the members of today will be remembered at all times. The exemplary service and sacrifice they set for us will be emulated and put back to serve the people. My personal gratitude to my esteemed colleagues and those senior Councilors who have stood by me all through thick and thin to uphold justice and propriety when challenged. Naga Council is unique. It belongs to all. No one single individual or tribe or community should deviate from the noble goals and mission of the Organisation to serve personal ends. Rather, the time-tested tradition of unity that prevails at Naga Council must be strengthened and preserved so that we have a stronger platform to face stronger challenges ahead of us. May all who come today carry with them happy memories of the 60th Anniversary so that it strengthen and inspire them to serve the people better for a brighter Nagaland and a happier Dimapur.
With these few words I WELCOME each and every one of you to this grand celebration of the Naga Council Cultural Festival marking the 60th Anniversary. Thank you and God bless all.
Savi Liegise
President, Naga Council |
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