LONGDING, Jul 9: Power Parliamentary Secretary Thangwang Wangham on Sunday inaugurated the office of the Wancho Cultural Society (WCS) here, in the presence of Longding Deputy Commissioner VS Mallik.
The programme was also attended by ADC Tage Ekke, district BJP president Tanphu Wangnow, Longding District Students’ Union president Tingngo Wangsu, and others.
WCS president Manhang Loham highlighted the achievements of the society since its inception in 1985. He said the WCS has been with the NERCORMP “to work for the cause of the Wancho community in a more efficient way.”
The PS in his address recalled the founding members of the Wancho Youth Association, of which he himself was a member, and recounted their role in eradicating social evils and taboos like polygamy, tattooing, and the ritual mandating that Wangpan girls have a shaved head.
“But the modernization spree spearheaded by the WYA was misunderstood by the people, thereby endangering the very cultural identity of the Wanchos. So the Wancho Cultural Society was formed to juggle the modernization and preservation of culture at the same time,” he said.
He urged the gathering to guide the youths, so that they do not go wayward.
WCS members submitted a memorandum to the PS, seeking construction of the WCS’ office building “in a grander way, to replace the present bamboo-made office.”
Wangham assured of all possible help “after due consultation with the two other Wancho legislators.” (DIPRO)
