Minister of Tourism and Higher Education, Government of Nagaland, Temjen Imna Along, addressed the Hornbill Extension at Zunheboto Public Ground as the special guest on the morning of December 6, 2024. The three-day first edition of the Hornbill Extension was organized by the Sumi Youth Organisation in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland, and other civil society organizations in Zunheboto Town.
Temjen Imna Along highlighted that Nagaland is commemorating the 25th edition of the Hornbill Festival at Naga Heritage Kisama, featuring the 17 Naga tribes and sub-tribes. He emphasized the significance of the festival in promoting Naga heritage and fostering a sense of shared identity among the Naga people.
Temjen Imna Along also appealed to the Sumi Hoho and other frontal organizations to support Sumi youth organizations in celebrating larger events, promoting cultural exchange, and preserving unique culture and traditions. He encouraged exploring and experiencing the living culture outside of Nagaland, fostering a sense of shared identity among the Naga people.
The Minister emphasized the importance of unity and collective efforts in promoting Naga heritage and fostering a brighter future for the state and its people. He stated, “The Hornbill Festival is not just about celebrating tradition and culture, but about showcasing Naga heritage, arts, skills, and ideology, with a focus on partnership with the global community.”
He also encouraged networking to showcase and explore the local indigenous handicrafts of the Sumi tribe, promoting exchanges with other communities. He emphasized the need to explore outside and experience the living culture elsewhere, promoting cultural exchange and understanding.
Kikheto Muru, Vice President of the Sumi Hoho, delivered a greeting message at the Hornbill Extension addressing the gathering. Muru mentioned that the Hornbill Festival has produced many talented local artists in the field of music. The tourism industry in Nagaland has been tremendously boosted since the onset of the Hornbill Festival. Local artisans, such as those involved in handicrafts, handlooms, food preservation, and Naga cuisines, have also been encouraged, promoting self-sustenance and self-employment.
Muru also stated that Zunheboto is not lagging behind the rest of Nagaland. The enthusiasm to revive our cultural heritage is clearly instilled in the minds of our people, he said. Educated youths are venturing into the hospitality industry, albeit in small ways. The Nagaland Tourism Department has registered 15 homestays in Zunheboto Town alone, he added.
On behalf of the Sumi Hoho, Kikheto Muru thanked and appreciated the Sumi Youth Organisation (SYO) for the brilliant idea of organizing the Hornbill Extension. He said that since not all of our people can go to Kisama to attend the festival, it is an excellent opportunity for our district to celebrate the Hornbill Festival alongside the rest of Nagaland.
Rahul Bhanudas Mali, IAS Deputy Commissioner of Zunheboto, also delivered a speech, and Hikavi H. Kinimi, President of the Sumi Youth Organisation, delivered the presidential address. A Sumi folk dance was performed by Usutomi Village, and various cultural activities were also presented at the Hornbill Extension in Zunheboto.