The Chakhesang Cultural Organization (CCO) held its annual general session today at the Red Cross Building, Kohima, with Niizota Swiiro, Chairman of the Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency (NBDA), as the guest speaker.
Addressing the gathering, Swiiro said, “The Chakhesang culture is a rich tapestry of rituals, songs, attire, and traditions intricately woven into our history.” He warned that this heritage now stands at risk of fading away.
“Without urgent and collective action, we may lose the very essence of who we are,” he cautioned, calling for immediate documentation and preservation efforts to safeguard the originality of the cultural legacy for future generations.
He noted that while Christianity has brought profound blessings—most importantly, the Gospel message and the promise of salvation through Jesus Christ—it also ushered in modernity and what was perceived as “civilization.” However, Swiiro observed that its rise coincided with the gradual erasure of indigenous Naga knowledge and practices. “Many indigenous practices once central to our identity were deemed ‘primitive’ or ‘sinful,’ shaped by early missionary influences. The result? A growing disconnect between faith and culture,” he said.
Stressing the need to integrate faith with cultural identity, he remarked, “We can embrace Christianity while honouring the traditions that define us.” He added that preservation is no longer optional but crucial. “We must record our culture and traditions in their full context, with rigorous research ensuring accuracy for future generations before they are lost to globalization.”
Swiiro also emphasized the importance of safeguarding folk songs in their authentic form. “While fusion songs are growing in popularity and certainly have their appeal, greater emphasis must be placed on preserving the originality of our folk songs.”
He urged the community to reconnect with nature and revive age-old practices of economic self-dependence, calling it not only a cultural necessity but also a powerful step toward resilience and sustainability. “We can no longer ignore the urgent threat of climate change, which is already disrupting our traditional agricultural way of life. The time to act is now—by raising awareness, making conscious choices, and working together to protect our future and the legacy of our land,” he said.
During the session, Nagaland’s former minister Zachilhii Ringa Vadeo announced the new team of office bearers for the 2025–2027 tenure. The new team will be led by Kedoutsolhi Wetsah as president and Vethikhoyi Khamo as general secretary, among others.
Dr Chotisuh Sazo, former Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), read out the resolutions adopted at the session. Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO) president Veziihii Keyho also addressed the gathering and proposed the initiation of a Chakhesang Cultural Day.
The general secretary’s report was read by CCO joint secretary Neikhwezu Venuh, while the vote of thanks was delivered by CCO finance secretary Lecho Krocha.