MLA and advisor, agriculture, Nagaland, Mhathung Yanthan emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting traditional culture and languages
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
Tokhu Emong, the premier post-harvest festival of the Naga Lotha tribe, was celebrated with great enthusiasm and festivity on Thursday at the Multi-disciplinary Sports Complex, State Stadium, Dimapur. Organized by the Dimapur Lotha Hoho (DLH), the event centered on the theme “Peace, Unity, and Prosperity.”
Addressing the festive revelers as the special guest, MLA and agriculture advisor for Nagaland, Mhathung Yanthan, emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting traditional culture and languages. He highlighted that Dimapur, as Nagaland’s only commercial hub, attracts people from diverse communities who have migrated from various regions across the country and beyond.
Stating that those who have settled in Nagaland hold the “privilege and responsibility” in contributing to the districts’ growth and development, Yanthan acknowledged the contributions of many who had helped Dimapur district develop over the years but lamented that with the city’s rapid growth in population and expanding sizes, it is also necessity that all communities come together and embrace each other for a congenial diversity.
He also stressed on the need for unity and mutual respect amongst the different communities and encouraged all to adopt an collective agenda for “growth and prosperity”.
Moreover, Mhathung urged the gathering to embody the role of cultural ambassadors, representing the values of their community to others and fostering harmony while emphasizing that unity and coordination amongst all communities are essential for sustainable progress.
Recognizing the unique advantages of the Lotha community, known for its rich resources and potential, the advisor encouraged members to leverage these opportunities to improve their livelihoods.
The MLA and advisor later stressed the need to learn from past shortcomings and to work collectively towards a prosperous future by reminding everyone of their shared responsibility in building a better community for generations to come and encouraged them to love, contribute, uphold the root of traditions and culture of the community and thank God for the bountiful blessings.
Sharing his greetings on the day as speaker, commissioner and secretary, Nagaland, K Libanthung Lotha (IAS) enhanced the gathered minds to emphasize the importance of “unity and collective action” within the community while dwelling on the theme of the celebration at the same time urging everyone to come together as one and participate actively in community lives at the same time encouraged each individual to contribute towards a shared vision of peace, unity, and collective action withing the community.
On his thoughts over the them which he spoke, Libanthung urged everyone to come together as one and participate actively in community lives to foster a collaboration and a spirit of togetherness that the Nagas could work towards a brighter and more harmonious future for all.
Blessing prayer was proposed by pastor, Lotha Baptist Church Dimapur, Rev Zanao Mozhui welcome address was delivered by
DLH chairman, Thungchanthung Murry, folk song was presented by Dimapur Tsungiki Ekhung, cultural song was presented by Kyong Nchumchio Okho (KNO) Eyilobeni Kikon and rice pounding demonstration was presented by Kyong colony Dimapur.
Vote of thanks was delivered by DLH vice chairman, P Yanpemi Humtsoe, while the benediction was pronounced by senior pastor, Lotha AG church, Dimapur, Rev Thebemo Yanthan.
Later in the evening, a musical extravaganza was also organized at the same venue where the many talents of the tribe were showcased through songs from different genres.