Dr Neiphiu Rio and others during golden jubilee celebration of Kohima Lotha Hoho in Kohima on November 7. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 7
The yearlong golden jubilee celebration of the Kohima Lotha Hoho (KLH) culminated under the theme “Future- Ready Reasoning” with Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio as the special guest at NBCC Convention Centre, Kohima on November 7.
The landmark celebration in coinciding with Tokhü Emong, brought together tribal leaders, elders, youth and well-wishers from across the districts, showcasing a spirit of unity, pride and community progress.
Addressing the mammoth gathering, Dr Rio lauded the Lotha community’s hardworking and innovative spirit, describing it as an inspiration to others. Admiring the richness of Lotha culture, Rio emphasized the importance of preserving and passing down traditions to future generations. “Your songs, dances, your fusions, your shawls and your patterns tells stories of our rich, vibrant culture and tradition,” he said.
On Wokha district known as the “Land of Plenty” due to its rich mineral resources, fertile soil, and abundant flora and fauna, he said “You have a huge blessing and the people are vibrant.”
The Chief Minister maintained that Wokha district is blessed with rich natural resources.
Stating that they have beautiful rivers, which produces hydro power and feeding the state, he also said “You have rich forests. Even the world famous Amur falcon roasting in Doyang Valley. Today, it has become an attraction for the tourists, bird watchers, researchers enjoying the beauty of nature,”
You have the highest per capita income as per our human index, he said.
Also speaking on the occasion, Nagaland’s Deputy Chief Minister (Home & Border Affairs) Y. Patton urged upon the youth to work hard, pursue knowledge and rise above divisive “isms” while upholding unity, forgiveness and harmony for the progress of Nagaland.
He noted the special significance of the Golden Jubilee coinciding with Tokhü Emong, and expressed gratitude for the Lotha community’s steadfast support to the state government.
Journey of Lotha's in Kohima in 1878
KLH chairman KN Mhonthung Lotha said that the journey of the Lotha's in Kohima started way back in 1878.
“The first Lotha settler in Kohima married an Angami lady and today we are very proud to have his progenies in our midst for they have a ways represented us as an ambassador of goodwill between the two communities,” he said.
Since then several Lotha families came to Kohima in search of good life and other opportunities.
He said that the last five decades after the formation of KLH has been “very enriching and fulfilling for our community.”
Many distinguished Lotha personalities from different walk of life have overcome the test of times and has contributed to the growth and advancement of the present state of Nagaland, he said.
The cosmopolitan city of Kohima and the neighbouring villages has given us so many opportunities and avenues and we are thankful to our Angami brethren's for all the love and affection showered upon us, he said and appreciated Angami Public Organization for always being supportive and guiding us under their patronage.
Today as we celebrate this occasion with the theme “Future- Ready Reasoning,” we will focus onto prepare our future generation to navigate the fears and create opportunities adaptable and resilient in this rapidly changing world and groom be them to be respectable and responsible members of the society, he said.
“In our bid to embrace future ready reasoning, this historic and landmark occasion presents us with the opportunity to recount and reflect on our past experiences, recognize and appreciate our present achievements and be adaptable and receptive embarking into the future,” he said.
May this occasion brings us more closer and let the brotherhood bonding amongst the various communities be renewed and strengthened,” he added.
Representatives from Lotha Hoho Okying, Lotha Officer’s Association and Kohima Lotha Eloe Ekhung also shared greetings.
Earlier, MLA Y Mhombemo Humtsoe released the golden jubilee souvenir of KLH on November 6 at the opening session of the celebration.
