TKS urged to aid preserve culture of Tangkhuls

Mungchan Zimik
Ukhrul, Jun 15 : Rights activist Artax A Shimray has asked the Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS) to take the main role for preservation of “our culture in order to keep alive our ancestral legacy.”
Artax said this while speaking at the 87th raising day of TKS at Hamleikhong, Ukhrul.
The rights activist said that the rapid rise in the number of ‘artificial festival’ cannot be the basis “of our culture” and added that commercialisation of the cultural legacy would simply undermine the traditional culture of the Tangkhuls and impact on their identity as a people.
Artax also dwelt at length on the need to introduce art and culture  as a compulsory subject in the education system.
Vice president of TKS Shimsaphang recalled the Tangkhul  students  conference in 1932 initiated by late Major Bob Khathing along with some of his friends and which later gave birth to Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS).
Former TKS president Somipam Lungleng unfurled the TKS flag ahead of the programme as the chief guest of the 87th Raising Day in the presence of senior members, Church leaders, CSO leaders and well wishers.
Somipam shared his experience and expressed the hardships the people had to face before the current cease fire was inked.
Now, peace has prevail in the district and TKS has to look beyond and move forward for building a strong community, he added.
Vice president of Tangkhul Naga Long Tuisem observed that the participation of CSO leaders, intellectuals, senior members etc  in observing the day is very significant.
He went on to mention, that observing such a day is another way to provide the right platform to nurture leadership quality amongst the young people.
Tuisem said that all the local bodies need to unite for the common cause in order to achieve the aspiration of the Naga community.
Sr. Advocate Ramsem who was also former president of TKS observed that Tangkhuls have beautiful customs and culture and are greatly admired by other communities.
TKS should play an important role to bring reform education and be more vigilant to correct the wrongs of the elected public leaders.
The noon session included a brain storming session participated by leaders of Tangkhul CSOs, former presidents, rights activists, intellectuals, Pastors and well wishers.