Naga youths called to preserve culture and strengthen unity

Minister Kaito Aye urges oneness beyond political uncertainty

Morung Express News
Kohima | September 21

Minister for Road & Bridges, G Kaito Aye has called on the younger generation to preserve Naga culture, strengthen unity and prepare themselves to meet the social and economic challenges facing the community.

He was speaking at a Cultural Fiesta organised by the Angami Students’ Union (ASU) in collaboration with the tribal subordinate students’ bodies of Kohima at Capital Cultural Hall, Kohima on September 21, as the special guest. Stating that culture remained central to the identity of the Naga people, Aye urged young Nagas to understand and preserve their distinct heritage while adapting to a changing world.

“Culture is your identity, who you are,” he said, stressing that Nagas must recognise their shared identity despite differences in tribal histories and traditions.

While acknowledging the long political history of the Naga people, he candidly stated that its eventual outcome remained uncertain. However, he maintained that Nagas would continue to live together in the region and therefore needed to prepare themselves to coexist peacefully.

“Naga solution may come, may not come. But Nagas are going to live here,” he said, urging people to set aside differences and focus on improving their living conditions and strengthening society.

He appreciated the initiative of the ASU and encouraged all to carry the message of unity and cultural understanding to different parts of Nagaland.

According to Aye, recognising differences should not become a reason for division. Instead, Nagas should help one another and identify areas where communities and institutions are falling short.

The Minister also urged students to look beyond their immediate academic goals and think seriously about their future. While acknowledging the challenges of unemployment and limited opportunities, he encouraged young people to develop alternative skills and remain open to different avenues of livelihood.

“Be a competitor. Be a winner by your own, by yourself,” he told the students, stressing that academic excellence should be one of the strongest foundations for their future.

Aye also expressed concern over alcoholism, substance abuse and the growing use of harmful substances, saying young people had an important role in protecting themselves, their families and society.

On technology, the Minister cautioned young people against misusing and letting it to become sources of addiction or distraction. Technology, he said, “should not use you.”

Aye also called for greater accountability within the government and society, asking students and young people to point out specific areas where the administration was falling short.

“If you can point out where the government is missing, please point it out,” he said, while urging young people to engage constructively with institutions rather than simply criticising the system.

Reflecting on the wider challenges facing Nagaland, he pointed to environmental degradation, declining village populations, inadequate water resources and changing living conditions. He said these challenges would ultimately be faced by the younger generation.

He further stressed the need for Nagas to strengthen their own society before extending support to Naga communities living outside Nagaland.

“Let us clean our house first. Let us bring our house in order,” Aye said, arguing that internal unity and a stronger society are vital to support others.

The Minister also spoke about the need for transparency and responsible governance, saying officials and public representatives must work in the interest of the people and avoid tribalism, favouritism and corruption.

The student community was urged to remain committed to the initiative and not allow a single event to become the end of the effort. Cultural exchange, he said, should develop into a sustained movement for greater understanding, unity and cooperation among Nagas.

Reminding students that many of them would become future leaders and that the responsibility for shaping Naga society would increasingly rest upon them, Aye said, “Your time is coming,” and urged the young people to study hard, help their families and communities, and continue working towards unity and harmony.

Culture gives us our identity
Exhorting the students, Angami Public Organisation (APO) President, Thejao Vihienuo described the fiesta as a celebration of Naga identity and the richness of its diverse cultural traditions that binds ‘us’ into one people, the Nagas.

He said Naga culture and traditions, which have been passed down through generations carry the stories, values and experiences of the ancestors and give people a sense of belonging, which eventually is refined and fine-tuned through the process of time.

“Most of all, our culture gives us our identity,” he said adding that celebration of culture would imply celebrating our identity.

Vihienuo urged them to celebrate their traditions with pride while respecting the cultures of other tribes. He encouraged students to use cultural gatherings as an opportunity to understand one another better, expand friendships and strengthen the sense of oneness among Nagas.