Nagaland CM Calls for Unity and Tenyidie Language Preservation at Inaugural Tenyimi Youth Cultural Festival

At the inaugural Tenyimi Youth Cultural Festival 2026 held at Naga Heritage Village, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio made a compelling case for cultural preservation and linguistic rights. Speaking under the theme *Unity through Cultural Heritage*, Rio emphasized that the Tenyimi people, though dispersed across tribes and states, share a common heritage that must be protected by younger generations.

A key focus of the chief minister's address was language preservation. Responding to Ura Academy's request, Rio proposed introducing Tenyidie as a third language option in Navodaya Vidyalayas within Tenyimi regions. He further suggested replacing Assamese with Tenyidie where feasible, citing the language's elevation to university-level recognition as evidence of its growing institutional status.

Deputy Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang reinforced these themes, highlighting shared ancestry and calling for documentation of oral traditions. The festival showcased performances from Angami, Chakhesang, Rengma, Pochury, and Zeliang communities, demonstrating the cultural richness of the Tenyimi family. Rio expressed hope that the festival would become an annual platform strengthening Naga solidarity.