30 Jan : The Deputy Commissioner Mokokchung, Bendangkokba has, in a circular to all Ward Chairmen, GBs, Principals and Headmistress of all government and private schools in Mokokchung town and District Education Officer, observed that the art of making basket of various types and miniature items through bamboo slice is slowly disappearing in Ao areas, particularly in urban areas such as Mokokchung town.
Since time immemorial the Nagas are expert in making basket of various types using bamboo slices. These items are frequently in use in our kitchens every day and likely to be used in the coming days since this is a part of our tradition/culture. It is however unfortunate that the art of making such items are disappearing in our society and perhaps one day this rich culture may disappear unless we revive it with urgency. Therefore with a view to revive/learn this art/culture, the District Administration Mokokchung has worked out a programme to train the youngsters in the town to carry out this programme. The District DBs customary court has a good number of DBs who are expert in making bamboo baskets, who are willing to teach youngsters the art of slitting bamboo to the art of making various types of baskets/miniature items. The date available to spare for training as worked out by the DBs Court, Mokokchung during February are 4th, 11th, 20th, 24th, and 26th.
The DC has requested ward authorities/educational institutions in the town to propagate this schedule programme in their respective ward/institutions to enable the youngsters to attend the learning programme on the dates stipulated above during office hours. Students in groups/individuals may avail this opportunity even after school. This schedule is being prepared/chalked out initially for the month of February. If the response of the authorities/educational institutional is positive, further programme will be chalked out in the coming days, the circular added.
