Loud chants and gunshots echoed at the venue where the President of Frontal Naga Tribal Hohos were the honoured guests.

Members of the public, well wishers and tourists from across the globe joined them in the merry making. It was a spectacular display of the rich culture at its best.
Nagaland Governor Nikhil Kumar who was the Chief Guest of the festival extended Sekrenyi greetings to the Angami community and said that he was honoured to be part of the festival. Stating that Sekrenyi is one of the most significant festivals of the Angamis, Nikhil Kumar observed that such festivals give us the chance to sanctify and purify oneself and further expressed confidence that the festival would help to purify one’s heart and soul in the truest form.

The Governor viewed Sekrenyi festival as an occasion for merry making giving one a welcomed break from daily routines. At the same time the Governor reminded those present that it was an occasion to rededicate oneself with renewed vigour to achieve peace, progress and prosperity.

Angami Public Organization (APO) President Keneingunyü Sekhose highlighted the significance of the Sekrenyi festival and reaffirmed the commitment of the Angami people to be participants in the pursuit of the betterment of the society. “As we take the path of blending hues into oneness towards one hope, one vision endeavouring a confluence of the past and the present and to bring about sanctification of the mind and soul we feel confident we are surging on and we will,” he concluded.

Nise Meruno and friends added more colour to the festival with a special number. Indigenous games and cultural presentations also marked the day long Sekrenyi festival. Youth Expo 2012 also kick started the day at the local ground in a grand manner where various stalls were set up by young Naga entrepreneurs showcasing their products.

In a collective effort made by the Nagaland Government along with various NGOs working for the youth not only in Nagaland but in the whole of north east India, the Youth Expo kick started with the Angami Sekrenyi festival. 100 entrepreneurs showcased their work and projects. Stalls ranging from handicrafts, confectionaries, photo and art galleries, dance academies, music showrooms, cafés, beauty and spas, etc pulled visitors to the exhibition. The expo showcased many new entrants in various fields never ventured into before. The Youth Expo will be a gateway to great opportunities for the youth of Nagaland to explore new challenges and venture into optional sources for livelihood and career opportunities.

Starting in Kohima with the Sekrenyi festival, Youth Expo is expected to be conducted in all districts coinciding the tribal festivals of Nagaland. Along with Music Task Force Nagaland, Youth Net, Synergy Group, Zynorique initiatives, Dream Café, Young Indians and Entrepreneurs Associates sponsored this Youth Expo 2012. Marking the occasion, Governor Nikhil Kumar along with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and his colleagues paid a brief visit to all the stalls and expressed his compliments to the efforts of the young entrepreneurs of Nagaland. He opined that Nagaland leaders should give more impetus in its policies for the youth not only in Nagaland but the whole of north east. Neiphiu Rio also expressed his greetings on the festival and lauded the efforts of the young entrepreneurs. Given the patronage offered by the DAN government, he said that he is so proud to see the fruits of their labour and he strongly affirmed that the government will conduct Tribal Fest alongside the Youth Expo to not only showcase the rich culture but also to include the youth to expose their umpteen talents so as to bring development, peace and progress to the state.

Theja Meru, Coordinator for the Youth Expo also expressed his gratitude and said that this expo is not only to showcase talent but also to celebrate the spirit of youth. He opined that the young entrepreneurs have taken a quantum leap to contribute to the economy of Nagaland. With these efforts, he believes that the economy will be strengthened. On that note, Neichute Entrepreneur Associates said that the Expo is initiated by the youth themselves and this proves that the youth themselves are the models and leaders of today and tomorrow. ‘Belief in self is all we need to start any initiative,’ he added.

Xavier Rutsa