About 20 thousand people from the four ranges of Angami tribe including Northern, Southern, Western and Chakhro attended the 50th anniversary celebration on Friday. The day was marked by songs, games and feast joined by the Angami legislators, dignitaries and young people joining in the Unity Dance.
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio has lauded the farsighted vision of the founders of the Angami Public Organization (APO) as has been exhibited by their approach to peace, harmony and development for posterity.
Speaking at the Angami Public Organization (APO)’s 50th anniversary on the theme “Angamimia Therhu” at Khuochiezie, Kohima on Friday, as the special guest, Rio said the pioneers of the APO have done well in in bringing the entire Angamis from the different ranges together under one umbrella.
While thanking the founders of APO, Rio said that because of their visionary leadership, the Angami tribe stands united and that has contributed to their progress.
Recalling the British entry into the Naga Hills in 1832, Rio said that the Angamis stuck together and fought with them when they entered their land till 1879.
He said that later on, the Angamis worked together with the Britishers when Kohima was made the headquarters while pointing out that amongst the 21 signatories of the “Simon Commission”, 15 were from the Angami tribe who represented the Nagas, and the forefathers sacrificing and contributing greatly to the Naga movement, which he said was one reason why the Angamis have been blessed.
Also adding that many things may still be lacking but the “unity, integrity, and the good practices” of their forefathers have helped the Angami community to date, the Chief Minister urged the younger generations to carry on the legacy of ancestors and preserve it for the coming generations so that through them not only the Angamis but also the Naga society would be blessed.
Pointing out the motto of APO “Right is Might”, Rio called upon the gathering to uphold it in order to progress in the society while also stressing on the need to stay united and achieve greater things.
He later said that with the coming of Christianity, life of the Angamis too have undergone a tremendous change, but one should remember the life lessons of our ancestors and preserve our traditions and customs alongside our modern lifestyle.
Rio also released the souvenir book of the jubilee celebration.
Highlighting the formation of APO, president, Razouvotuo Chatsu, said that the organization was formed in the year 1972 with Zapuvisie Lhousa, as the president, and the successive APO teams have guided the organization till date.
He urged the four ranges of the Angamis to help, care, and to protect each other in upholding the good practices.
About 20 thousand people from the four ranges of Angami tribe including Northern, Southern, Western and Chakhro attended 50th anniversary celebration which was marked by songs, games and feast joined by the Angami legislators, dignitaries and young people joining in the Unity Dance.