Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio and others during 1st Tenyimi Cultural Festival 2026 at Kisama on March 25. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 25
Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday called upon the people to maintain unity and oneness as one Naga family, while gracing the first Tenyimi Cultural Festival 2026 at Kisama.
“We have been talking a lot about our unity, oneness and brotherhood as the Naga family,” Dr Rio said, urging the Tenyimi Union Nagaland (TUN) to serve as a platform to promote the unity of the Nagas.
Touching upon the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act of 1873, which introduced the Inner Line Permit system by the British to protect the Nagas, and the special provision of Article 371A with respect to Nagaland by the Government of India, he said, “When others (British & Government of India) recognise us, how can we not recognise or accept ourselves?”
“We are pursuing a Naga movement, which we all are trying our best to resolve the political issue,” Dr Rio said. “We want an honourable settlement. So we have to make ourselves honourable by uniting and working hard to show that we are capable in all areas,” the CM added.
He noted that in the agreement of statehood, a crucial point was the integration of the Naga-contiguous area. The Nagaland Legislative Assembly had unanimously adopted a resolution six times for the integration of the contiguous Naga-inhabited areas, he said. “This is also one of the negotiating points, which is discussed in the contentious issues,” Dr Rio added.
“The Naga people, wherever they are, though we cannot be physically integrated, we should be politically, emotionally, socially, culturally, have integration. Because our affinity, our tradition, our culture, our customary laws are similar,” he said. “It was a duty for all to unite and reconcile so that the future of the Nagas would not be forgotten,” the CM asserted.
Stating that youth are the custodians of heritage, he called their energy, creativity, and endeavours “vibrant.” He expressed hope that young people would take culture and traditions seriously.
Quoting the proverb, “A tree without roots cannot stand,” Dr Rio stressed the need for deeply rooted foundations that “no storm can uproot.” He added that youth have a special responsibility to uphold rich cultural traditions and promote customary laws.
Addressing today’s competitive world, he noted both opportunities and challenges, stating that success comes to those prepared and persistent, guided by skills, knowledge, discipline, integrity, resilience, and wisdom.
Thanking the TUN for bringing the Tenyimi family together through this Tenyimi youth cultural festival, he hoped that it will strengthen “unity and oneness.” He said that festival is a proud celebration of shared identity, living heritage, and the enduring spirit of the Tenyimi people.
He expressed the desire to see that the festival become bigger, stronger and more vibrant in the coming years.
Touching on the festival theme, “Unity through cultural heritage,” Dr Rio noted that despite belonging to different tribes, backgrounds, and states, the Tenyimi people remain united by shared traditions, values, and histories. These bonds, he said, define their identity and connect the community, with the festival standing as a testament to this legacy and to the commitment of youth in preserving their culture.
He emphasised that culture is not merely a recollection of the past, but a guiding force for the future. “In this rapidly changing world,” he said, “we have to ensure our culture and traditions are carried forward with pride and purpose.”
Dr Rio stressed the need to promote Tenyidie and communicate in the language. He acknowledged the efforts of the Ura Academy in researching and promoting it, noting that Tenyidie has gained recognition even at the university level. He suggested that efforts be made to include Tenyidie as a subject in schools, particularly in place of other third-language options, and urged the community to actively support this initiative.
The morning programme was chaired by Kesosul Christopher Ltu, President Angami Youth Organization while vote of thanks was proposed by Kegwayhun Tep, President, Rengma Selo Zi.
