In a first, women enter Morung, beat log-drum in Wansoi village

April 16, 2023 61 Views No Comment

PM Modi lauds ‘very important step’ towards women empowerment

Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 16

In a first, women in Wansoi, a village under Noklak district of Nagaland, were reportedly allowed to enter the Morung and also beat the log drum recently.

The development has also been complimented by the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi as a “very important step” towards women empowerment.

Earlier on April 13, the lone Nagaland’s Member of Parliament to Rajya Sabha, S Phangnon Konyak paid tribute to the Wansoi village leaders, while informing that she attended the event marking the women entry to the village Morung as guest of honour on Thursday.

“A tribute of gratitude to the collective wisdom of Wansoi village leaders who have understood that in today’s progressive society women also are equal members & allowed women of Wansoi to enter the Morung & play the logdrum for the first time!” she tweeted.

According to her, till then, tradition “never allowed women to even step inside a Morung.”

As guest of honour, I joined the Khiamniungan women as they stepped forward in ringing in a new era of Nari Shakti, she added, sharing photos and a video of the event.

Meanwhile, responding to Konyak’s tweet on Saturday, PM Modi lauded the progressive gender polices.

“A very important step, which will give a boost to dignity and empowerment of women. Compliments to the people of Wansoi village,” he added.

It must be noted here that traditionally entry or access to Morung are given mostly to unmarried male members of the society who learns social practices and beliefs as well as way the of life.

Likewise, beating of log drum is also considered a male domain as such method is used during various emergencies, festival and important events surrounding the village polity.

However, in ‘non-traditional’ set-up, particularly during at the annual State’s premier Hornbill Festival, such practices are seldom followed. During festivals, women participate in beating of log-drum in some areas.