UKHRUL: Foundation stone of the Tangkhul Hao Art and Culture Association Museum and Park was unveiled on Monday evening at Vashimtang, Phungrei Hungpung.
The foundation stone was unveiled by Sword Vashum, President of Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), who described the initiative as an effort to build a lasting legacy for Tangkhul art and culture.
Speaking on the occasion, Sword Vashum said that the culture practiced today would shape the norms of future generations.
“The arts and culture we follow today will become the norm for the generations to come. The legacy we leave behind will be followed by our children and grandchildren. If we truly want to leave behind an unchangeable and precious legacy, we should not act based on our own will alone. Our livelihood, character, and actions must align with the values we want to pass on. This is something Tangkhul leaders and the learned must seriously reflect upon,” he said.
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In an interview, Nobert Khayi, President of the Tangkhul Hao Art and Culture Association, said that the association was established in 1986 and officially registered in 1989. He added that the association was endorsed by Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) and WTR to safeguard Tangkhul Hao art and culture during that period.
“Since then, we have organised several seminars and undertaken various cultural activities. One of our major milestones was the cultural festival held in 2023 in collaboration with Nagas from neighbouring countries, where more than 40 folk dancers performed,” Khayi said.
Recalling the journey towards the present project, Khayi said acquiring land had been a major concern initially. “When we were wondering how we would get land to begin this project, Awo Vareingam, Sub-Headman of Vashimtang, generously donated the land. Because of his contribution, we are able to unveil the foundation stone today,” he added.
The proposed museum aims to collect and display traditional Tangkhul artefacts preserved across different villages. Another key objective is to establish a training centre to teach Tangkhul folk songs, folk dances, and Tingteila, a traditional Tangkhul musical instrument.
“Our goal is to revive indigenous Tangkhul traditions for the generations to come and to train young people so that this heritage continues into the future,” Khayi said. He also informed that there are plans to develop an eco-park as part of the project, promoting conscious health and well-being.
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The foundation stone unveiling ceremony was attended by VS Vareingam, Sub-Headman of Vashimtang Hungpung and land donor; representative of Preshow A. Shimray, foundation stone donor and former Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly; Sword Vashum, President of Tangkhul Naga Long; the President of Tangkhul Naga Film Association; Rev. P.S. Sword, Pastor of Hungpung Baptist Church; Reikhanmi Rimai, Catechist of Little Flower Church; along with executive members of the Tangkhul Hao Arts and Culture Association.