Senapati: In continuation of the ongoing 7th General Conference of the Poumai Naga Women’s Union (PNNM) at Oinam Hill village, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Awangbow Newmai inaugurated the Cultural session on Monday. The Poumai Naga tribe which is rich in culture gave a warm traditional welcome to the guests of the program in different traditional tunes.
Bringing the welcome note, P. Delilah Pao, President, PNNM warmly welcomed all the visiting guests who stated that their presence had made the occasion more special. The women leader also expressed happiness to gather at a historicl place of the Nagas at Oinam Hill village.
Speaking as the chief guest, Awangbow Newmai, Minister, FECC & Sericulture recalled the immense hardships the Oinam Hill villagers had borne during 1987 when Operation Bluebird was enforced in the area. The minister stated to share the tears of the people who had borne the hardships during that time for the sake of all people. The minister then lauded the role of women played by them in the society what the male folks could not take up the responsibility. A society cannot develop only by male folks, cannot maintain family without a woman in a family and cannot rear up children without a woman. In spite of all the important roles played by women in the family, society and community, women still bear the burden of all walks of life by tackling all sorts of works, the minister lamented how women are considered as inferior gender in the society. However, the minister is happy that women of the region are coming with much respect and honour in all aspects of life. The future of a society depends on the women, he stated while encouraging the women that, “Behind every successful man, there is always a woman.”
Replying to a memorandum submitted to him, the minister expressed happiness that Oinam Hill village authority had expressed their willingness to grow tree saplings under National Afforestation program and Green India Mission showing their awareness on environment. The minister assured to take up all necessary steps to fulfil the wish of the villagers within this short time who also assured to convey the message to the state chief minister about the concern the village have on environment.
People of the region have been struggling to live a respectable life like others in the world. One has to fight and earn a respectable life, he stated. Forefathers of the region have their rich culture, traditions and custom since time immemorial. Having own culture and customs which people of the region have been practising since thousands of years back, people of the region have been struggling to live a respectable life. People of the valley and hills have their own rights to live. When all people live together, the minister stated the need to respect one another, to respect one another’s culture, traditions and customs. With such conference taking place, the minister stated that such programs had displayed the rich culture and identity of the people.
Putting to a question why people of the region have been lagging behind others, the minister lamented possessing confidence and trust in oneself. If other women of other society or community could do wonders, women of the region also could do like them if one has the confidence and lack of it made one to be weaker than other, he stated. The minister then encouraged the women to pray for their husband and children and take up their big role without fear and hesitation in making a better society.
RS. Hiilii Henry, Ex-Chairman, ADC, M.L. Markson, Ex-Chairman, ADC, All former ADC members, Convenor, NPMHR, President & colleagues of the Senapati District Women’s Association, President of Mao Women and President of Thangal women were the special guests on the day.
Cultural demonstration on indigenous salt manufacturing, harp of mouth string, traditional raincoat knitting, traditional yarn making from wood bark for weaving, indigenous games, single stringed musical instruments were showcased including some cultural dances and folk songs.