SENAPATI, Feb 28: The second day of the 8th General Conference of the Poumai Naga Naotumai Me (PNNM) was marked by a vibrant Cultural Session on Friday.
The event was graced by Temjen Imna Along, Minister for Tourism and Higher Education, Government of Nagaland, as the chief guest. Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhutso, MLA of 9-Kohima Town Assembly Constituency, Government of Nagaland, attended as the guest of honour, while the Mamoni Doley, Deputy Commissioner of Senapati served as the special guest. The programme was also attended by special invitees, dignitaries, civil society organisations (CSOs), student bodies and officials from Nagaland.
The Chief Guest and Guest of Honour were accorded with a warm traditional welcome to the Venue.
Addressing the mothers and sisters of the Poumai Naga community, PNNM President P. Delilah Pao expressed gratitude for the faith and confidence placed in her. She described their journey as a roller-coaster filled with unexpected challenges, misunderstandings, trials and moments that tested their endurance. “There were times when unnecessary allegations were raised. There were moments when I was questioned, misunderstood and opposed. As a woman, it was not only challenging organisationally, but emotionally, mentally and physically exhausting,” she said.
She also extended sincere gratitude to leaders of the Poumai Naga Union (PNU), Poumai Naga Tsiidoumai Me (PNTM) and senior leaders who stood firm for justice and constitutional values. Calling for unity, she urged women to celebrate womanhood under PNNM and to build not only an organisation, but “a family rooted in truth, respect and unity.”
Speaking at the event, Mamoni Doley remarked that women represent half of the population in today’s society and urged them to participate actively in socio-cultural and political programmes. “The more we participate, the broader our knowledge will be, and there will also be gender representation in our society. Any issue cannot be resolved by men alone,” she said.
She encouraged the gathering to use the platform to empower women by deliberating and taking action on important issues. Highlighting concerns such as quality education for every girl child and healthcare, she urged women not to take these matters lightly. She also appealed to women to understand and appreciate leadership, support groups and societies in raising issues that matter to women, and to support one another by walking the extra mile and not hesitating to show bias in supporting fellow women.
Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhutso in his address, highlighted the economic and social contributions of women in today’s society. He observed that many families are sustained and supported by women’s groups, with women often earning more than their husbands. He noted that academic toppers are mostly women and that in many societies, women outnumber men. “As human beings, families start with a male and a female. If men do not support their wives, daughters or sisters, it will be like one side being paralysed. We need to go hand in hand and move forward together,” he said.
Using an analogy, he described Nagas as being like an octopus with eight arms. “We have Nagas in Manipur, Arunachal, Assam, Nagaland and beyond India. If we cut one arm, it weakens us. Each arm represents a tribe or a community. If we neglect one, we weaken the whole,” he said, adding that even within a district like Senapati, neglecting any tribe or community would weaken the larger society. He urged the bigger community to accommodate smaller and minority tribes with love and compassion.
Delivering the chief guest’s speech, Along congratulated the Naga women, describing them as epitomes of beauty, strength, resilience and commitment — to their families, husbands, children, community and God. He emphasised that while fathers have their roles, the role of a mother is often unseen and unfelt. “But it is the strength and the resilience with which God has created woman to take all troubles, problems, difficulties into your stride and still move forward for a progressive family, for a progressive community,’ he added.
While acknowledging geographical boundaries that divide Nagas, he stressed that they remain one people. “Our anger, aggression and selfishness will only lead us to modern-day slavery,” he cautioned, urging the people to seek wisdom, knowledge and discernment from God. Quoting biblical teachings that all have fallen short of the glory of God, he said the willingness to acknowledge weakness and aspire for prosperity, progress and unity marks the beginning of a new journey.
The cultural session also witnessed traditional songs, indigenous craft demonstrations and dances, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Poumai Naga community.
