The All Madhya Pradesh Naga Welfare Society (AMPNWS) on June 25 successfully hosted its first-ever Cultural Day Celebration at Labh Mandapam in Indore, bringing together more than 500 guests in a vibrant showcase of Naga culture, traditions and unity.
The event marked a historic milestone for the Naga community in Madhya Pradesh and was described as the first cultural programme of its kind from the Northeast to be organised in the state.
The programme commenced with a ceremonial curtain-raising and was compered by Sulika and Akika. Delivering the welcome address, AMPNWS President Dr Imlimenba Walling thanked dignitaries, guests and participants for their overwhelming support for the society’s maiden cultural event.
The exhortation was delivered by Dr M Chuba Ao, National Vice President of the Bharatiya Janata Party and Chairman of MARCOFED. Highlighting the cultural richness of the Northeast, he said its diverse traditions have a common aspiration for peace and continue to promote harmony and unity.
He also invited the gathering to visit Nagaland and experience the internationally renowned Hornbill Festival, popularly known as the “Festival of Festivals.”
The cultural segment featured a folk song by the Zeliangrong community, “Rhythms of Life” presented by Chui Ruangmei and a colourful cultural parade showcasing the traditions, attire and unique identities of different Naga tribes.
The highlight of the evening was the address by Nagaland Advisor for Information and Public Relations and Soil and Water Conservation, Daochier I Imchen. Recalling his college days, Imchen narrated how he and his friends had started a small cultural forum in a library hall and organised a programme titled “Footprints”, which later evolved into a celebrated annual event.
Drawing a parallel with AMPNWS, he expressed hope that the society’s Cultural Day would similarly grow into a landmark annual celebration.
“Our rich cultural traditions and colourful attire are a testament to who we are,” Imchen said, encouraging members of the community to preserve their heritage and share it with wider society so that future generations and people from other communities can appreciate the richness of Naga culture.
Short addresses were also delivered by Pratap Nair, representing the Mayor of Indore; Jai Kumrawat, representing TRIFED under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs; and Neeraj Sankat, founder of the Indore Social Welfare Foundation. All three speakers lauded the initiative and extended their best wishes to the society.
The programme also featured an artist spotlight by Boss Meren, a cultural ballad by the Sumi community and an investiture ceremony conducted by Rev Lipokinba, Secretary of NMM. The formal programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Atoholi Yepthomi, Assistant General Secretary of AMPNWS.
An exhibition of local products was also organised, with Tribes India showcasing indigenous products that drew considerable interest from visitors. The celebrations culminated in a live concert featuring renowned artistes Boss Meren, Moko Koza, Chui Ruangmei, Emma Hmar and Litoka Kinimi, bringing the inaugural Cultural Day celebration to a memorable close.
