EKHON | IMPHAL: Tangkhul Shanao Long Imphal (TSLI) observed the International Day of World’s Indigenous people with an aim to honour, preserve and pass down the rich knowledge of the indigenous ways on 9th August 2024, at Sangai Hall, Hotel Imphal by the Classic. The event was sponsored by Department of Tribal Affairs & Hills, Government of Manipur and attended by all sections of Tangkhul community residing in Imphal.
The day was observed to honour, preserve and pass down the rich knowledge of the indigenous ways in terms of culture, traditions, knowledge and everything which is intertwined and attached with the land. Tangkhul Shanao Long Imphal observed, “We will celebrate, preserve and also pass down to the generations that will come for this is our identity. Indigenous people are defined as distinct social and cultural groups that share collective ancestral ties to the lands and natural resources where they live, occupy, or from which they have been displaced. They are characterized by their own unique cultures, languages, and traditions, often maintaining a close connection to their ancestral territories and natural resources, the Tangkhul women body further added.
Elaborating on the UN theme “Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact”, Ngachonmi Chamroy, an indigenous activist from Ukhrul district highlighted the similarity of the Tangkhul Nagas with indigenous people in other Southeast Asian countries. He emphasized the struggle of indigenous people against the State in post-colonial era, and the need to uphold our indigenous culture by preserving our history and maintaining written records.
Solomon Ragui, President of Hunphun Khanuithot Cultural Research Forum, shared the history of the Tangkhul ancestors and dispersal of the Tangkhuls from “Miwurlung”, and narrated oral story through folksong and reminded the participants of the importance to transmit our history to younger generations.
Meanwhile, Ls. Ningshimyao A Shimray (Pearl), a prominent cultural activist enlightened the audience about “Tangkhul Traditional Textile and its Cultural Significance”. The rich cultural heritage woven in Tangkhul traditional textiles particularly in Kashan (Sarong) and Kachon (Shawl) of the Tangkhuls, and shared the significance of the textiles which portrays the deep relationship they have with their land and natural environment they lived in. The event was brought to live by the presence of Padmashree Awardee Guru Reuben Mashangva who enthralled the participants by showcasing his use of local musical instrument “Tingteila”.
