KOHIMA, Jul 13 (NEPS): The Governor of Nagaland La Ganesan released a Special Postal Cover on Naga Back Basket at thr Raj Bhavan, Kohima on 13 July 2023.
Releasing the Postal Cover, the Governor said that a Naga Back Basket holds important relevance in the Naga Society. He stated that it is used not just to carry water, firewood, rice or vegetables by the Naga women but it is also often gifted to a girl by her parents or by her parents or beloved as a sign of his love and affection.
The Governor mentioned that more often not a women’s handwork and contributions to a family goes unappreciated. He said that the Naga Back Basket is usually associated with a rural Naga Woman it epitomizes handwork, responsibility and affection of the Naga Women. The Governor appreciated the effort of the department of Postal, Government of India in releasing this Special Covers of the Naga Back Basket which is a tribute to all Naga mothers and Naga Women.
He said baskets were made by the manfolk during the leisure time after they return home from their toils in the field. In the olden days there were no professional weavers and that every man was a professional in basket weaving in his own right and weaves for his family, which signifies economic independence and self sufficiency, he added.
Ganesan said Nagaland has a rich history of culture and tradition but with changing times, the younger generation is losing touch with traditional practices and values. The Governor expressed his happiness that the older generation is becoming aware of this and that many Naga civil Societies have tasked upon themselves to teach the younger generation and revive the dying cultural practices and traditional arts.
The Governor stated that the importance of preserving and propagating our culture can never be overstated as it is our identity. He appreciated effort of the postal department for the programme and that it will give a boost to efforts towards the preservation and promotion of culture and traditional practices.
Superintendent of Post offices, Nagaland, L. Tiken Singh said the initiative to release the special cover on NAGA BACK BASKET had been made to popularize the handicrafts of Nagaland. He said this skill in basketry is an intrinsic part of everyday life of the Nagas. He apprised that each tribe in Nagaland has a distinct style of basketry and locally available bamboo and cane are fashioned by them into verities of baskets and containers. He also shared that Nagaland Postal Division has released Special Cover on all the 4 GI tagged product of the State of Nagaland namely-Naga Mircha, Naga Tree tomato, Nagaland Sweet Cucumber and Chakhesang Shawl.
The programme was attended by Secretary to Governor Rajesh Soundararajan, officers and staff of Raj Bhavan and officials from Postal department.
The programme was chaired by Kevikhrielie Kirha and vote of thanks was pronounced by Assistant Superintendent of post offices, Nagaland Deepak Chandra Das.