Our culture and traditions will bring us together and propel us forward: Temjen Imna Along | Soyim Students’ Union celebrates Tsüngremmung

Mokokchung, August 1 (MTNews): The Soyim Students’ Union (Soyim Shisaluyimer Telongjem), Ungma, celebrated Tsüngremmung festival at Babu Tzübu Amphitheatre under the theme “Tsüngkang Medemshi,” by inviting all six student bodies of Ao Ranges, and with Temjen Imna Along, Nagaland Minister for Higher Technical & Tribal Affairs, as the chief guest.

Temjen Imna Along stated in his address that a society can only advance if the younger generations introspect on the past. He asserted that there is turmoil in our thoughts and that we lack the ability to stand up for ourselves on the basis of socio economics, tradition, politics, and culture.

He asserted that in order to foster unity, we must continue to develop our culture and traditions since these are what will bring us together and propel us forward. “We need an inclusive Nagaland not an exclusive Nagaland where all tribes live in unity with a prospect for development, employment, economic viability and socio-cultural identity. The Aos as pioneers have to start thinking differently.

We have to think of a Nagaland where all Naga tribes are inclusive,” he said. He also stated that an exclusive attitude has divided the Naga community and asked the Ao community as pioneers to change their ways of thinking in order to create an inclusive Nagaland.
He also noted that there was no mental tranquility in Nagaland and that “we are unable to stand our ground politically, socially, historically, or culturally.”

He continued by stating that although today’s young are incredibly intelligent, their levels of tolerance and acceptance have decreased and that their hearts have become limited to simply thinking about oneself.

According to him, everyone should take part in making improvements because only one person’s participation will not be helpful.

He, however, made a caution by urging everyone to conserve and pass on what is significant to the next generation rather than mixing tradition and culture with faith. Additionally, he urged the Ungma village to serve as the custodian of Ao customs and culture.

Moatemsu Longkumer, president of SST, delivered the welcome address while Nungtokyanger Ao, president of the Ao Students’ Conference delivered Tsüngremmung greetings. Imtidongba Jamir then spoke on the significance of the day.

The six student bodies from the six Ao ranges namely Japukong, Langpangkong, Jangpetkong, Tzurangkong, Ongpangkong and Asetkong all presented a Tsüngremmung item each and the program culminated with a Tsüngremmung feast.