Kohima, 13 July (MTNews): Governor of Nagaland La Ganesan released a special postal cover on Naga Back Basket on 13 July at Raj Bhavan, Kohima. The cover was released to commemorate the importance of the Naga Back Basket in Naga culture and to promote the handicrafts of Nagaland.
In his speech, the Governor said that the Naga Back Basket is a symbol of the Naga people’s skill and ingenuity. He noted that the basket is used not only for carrying goods, but is also often gifted to a girl by her parents as a symbol of love and affection. The Governor also said that the Naga Back Basket is a reminder of the Naga people’s rich cultural heritage, which is important to preserve and promote.
The Governor mentioned that more often than not a woman’s handwork and contributions to a family goes unappreciated. He said that the Naga Back Basket is usually associated with the rural Naga woman; it epitomizes handwork, responsibility and affection of the Naga women. The Governor appreciated the effort of the Department of Posts, Government of India in releasing this Special Covers of the Naga Back Basket which is a tribute to all Naga mothers and Naga women.
The Governor stated that baskets were made by the men folk during the leisure time after they return home from their toils in the field.
“In the olden days, there were no professional weavers and every man was a professional in basket weaving in his own right and weaved for his family, which signifies economic independence and self-sufficiency,” he added.
Younger generation is losing touch with traditional practices and values
The Governor said that Nagaland has a rich history of culture and tradition but with changing times, the younger generation is losing touch with traditional practices and values. The Governor expressed his happiness that the older generation is becoming aware of this and that many Naga civil society bodies have tasked themselves to teach the younger generation and revive the dying cultural practices and traditional arts.
The Governor stated that the importance of preserving and propagating native culture can never be overstated as it is our identity. He appreciated the effort of the postal department for the program and said that it will give a boost to efforts towards the preservation and promotion of culture and traditional practices.
Special cover on Naga Back Basket to popularize Nagaland handicrafts
Superintendent of Post offices, Nagaland, L Tiken Singh in his speech said this initiative to release the special cover on Naga Back Basket has been made to popularize the handicrafts of Nagaland. He said this skill in basketry is an intrinsic part of everyday life of the Nagas. He apprised that each tribe in Nagaland has a distinct style of basketry and locally available bamboo and cane are fashioned by them into varieties of baskets and containers.
He also shared that Nagaland Postal Division has released Special Cover on all the 4 GI tagged products of the State of Nagaland, namely Naga Mircha, Naga tree tomato, Nagaland sweet cucumber and Chakhesang Shawl.
The program was attended by Secretary to Governor Rajesh Soundararajan, officers and staff of Raj Bhavan and officials from the Postal department.
The program was chaired by Kevikhrielie Kirha and vote of thanks was pronounced by Assistant Superintendent of Post Offices, Nagaland, Deepak Chandra Das.