Senapati, Jan 5: Inaugural session of the Poumai Thounii, 2023 was graced by N. Biren Singh, chief minister, Manipur as the chief guest at Phaibung Khullen village. The program was held in the presence of K. Govindas Singh, minister, PWD & YAS as the functional president, Letpao Haokip, minister, TA & Hills/Horti & SC, L. Susindro Meitei, minister, PHED/CAF & PD, MP, Dr. Lorho S. Pfoze and MLA Losii Dikho as honoured guests.
The visiting guests were accorded a warm traditional welcome through traditional cart pulling by the local villagers and delegates coming from various Poumai Naga villages at the beginning of the program.
In his welcome note, D. Dailord Pao, president, Poumai Naga Union stated that the gathering in such magnitude to celebrate together the traditional Poumai Thounii, 2023 is a manifestation of oneness, marching towards the ultimate destination of growing together as one. Thounii in the past was celebrated by all Poumai community in their respective areas and villages to mark the dawn of New Year. The celebration of the grand festival is stated to sustain the culture and traditions to promote its values together and to maintain and strengthen cohesiveness. The celebration had brought the community together in their goals and perspective, in their endeavour and struggles and in their morals and principles. With the celebration held under the theme, “Sustaining culture,” PNU president urged to look forward to sustain and enhance the industriousness and hard work, honesty and forbearance, tolerance and forgiveness and unity and upliftment.
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Minister Govindas Singh stated that many talked about culture but questionable if they are really serious that the younger generation could complain later. One’s culture is the wealth and treasure that the forefathers had inherited who urged the need to preserve and promote them. The minster mentioned that with much concern for the people, the state CM had come to the celebration although with different engagements ahead of him who has his concern for equal development in the state. The minister sought the cooperation from all quarters to achieve the dream of state CM.
Speaking as the chief guest, Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh stated that much change can be seen in fighting against drugs and corruption free state. The state CM also lauded the Poumai community for their support in fight against drugs in their region, for their true spirit of preserving their culture. Being the father of the state, N. Biren Singh mentioned that he cannot deny visiting different places in the state and stated to continue visiting more places as meeting only can generate more love, understanding and could realise whatever is required in a region. With introduction of “Go to Hills and Go to Village,” different facilities have been availed at one’s doorstep, he said. CM also mentioned that Senapati has changed a lot with different developmental programs implemented so far. While his Govt is trying its best for equal development between the hills and valley, Biren Singh appeals all to extend support and cooperation to live as one.
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In his greeting message, Solomon Arow, president, Naga People’s Organization stated that with the passage of time, urbanization and westernization have taken place that have almost forgotten one’s culture, history, identity and traditions. The NPO president calls right time to unitedly promote, preserve and protect the culture at this age of generation.
Honoured guest, Dr. Lorho S. Pfoze stated that it was his first time to visit the area and expressed gladness to see the grand celebration attended by huge number. While stating that Mao and Poumai are one, the MP urged to join hands together for progressive society. Such showcase of rich culture during the celebration, the MP called a gift that God has blessed the land and its people.
Different cultural display such as cultural dance and traditional trumpet blowing were showcased during the program.
The program was attended by MLA J. Kumo Sha as the chief host, Tholu Salouni as the chief patron, former minister D.D. Thaisii, CSO leaders and Poumai Chakhesang from Nagaland.
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