Preserve Culture, Pursue Progress, Rio urges at ENSF cultural fiesta

April 16, 2025 11 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Tuensang | April 16

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday addressed the 8th Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) Cultural Fiesta cum General Conference at the Parade Ground in Tuensang, calling for unity, cultural preservation, and focused development in the eastern region of the state.

Gracing the event as chief guest, Rio emphasized the importance of quality education, improved healthcare, better road connectivity, and overall infrastructure development in Eastern Nagaland. Speaking under the conference theme, “Deliverance through Ethnicity Concord,” the Chief Minister urged tribal leaders and civil society organizations to come together in support of the ongoing peace process.

“The Government of India has declared education a right for all ages, and Nagaland is striving to provide quality education that enables our youth to compete with the best,” Rio said, attributing historical gaps in development to the region’s late administrative integration and educational outreach.

He highlighted that the British had left much of the eastern region unadministered until 1957, when Tuensang was established as the headquarters of the then Naga Hills Tuensang Area. This historical delay, he said, contributed to the educational backwardness of the region compared to other parts of Nagaland.

“There is still much to be done,” Rio added, outlining his government’s commitment to development initiatives across education, healthcare, communication, and roads. He also reiterated his administration’s opposition to restrictions on free movement across border areas inhabited by Naga communities, and called for vigilance in issuing Inner Line Permits and Indigenous Certificates.

Rio further encouraged students to take pride in the unique customary laws and cultural heritage safeguarded by special constitutional provisions. “Our culture and traditions are treasures passed down by our forefathers — it is our duty to preserve and protect them.”

The conference opened with an invocation by Ronglikhum, Associate Pastor Youth, Sangtam Baptist Church, and closed with a benediction pronounced by Rev. Hempao, Executive Secretary of the Khiamniungan Baptist Churches’ Association.

Bashang Chang, Advisor to the Government of Nagaland, also addressed the gathering, urging the youth of Eastern Nagaland to reclaim their history and steer the region toward self-reliance. “Our dreams must be matched with discipline and hard work,” he said.

Chingmak Chang, President of ENSF, welcomed attendees with a speech underscoring the importance of youth leadership and service. Medovi Rhi, President of the Naga Students’ Federation, and the President of the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation also delivered addresses that echoed the need for unity and development.

A variety of cultural programs marked the daytime session, hosted by Chingmei A. Konyak and Echi A. Konyak. Highlights included a folk fusion performance by Elate Fusion and a tradigraphy by Chang Wedoshi Setshang. Fusion presentations were staged by student bodies from all eight federating units under ENSF: Chang Wedoshi Setshang, Eastern Nagaland Sumi Students’ Union, Konyak Students’ Union, Khiamniungan Students’ Union, Phom Students’ Conference, United Sangtam Students’ Conference, Tikhir Students’ Union, and Yimkhiung Akherü Arihako.

Special performances included appearances by Fusion Ensemble, Retha Rudy, Thashai Shiu, and M. Phammei Phom. The performances were evaluated by judges Aso Kinavi Yim, Phangmei Yanlem, and O. Akum.

In the evening, the Folk Fusion Nite was graced by Benie M. L. Mathiu, MLA, as the special guest. The session opened with a play act by Chang Wedoshi Setshang, followed by another set by Elate Fusion. Hosts for the evening were Hongsang Chang and Anyak Chang.