40s–50s leaders were the most productive generation: Kenye

SAKK platinum jubilee-cum-49th Biennial underway

Our Correspondent
Pughoboto | January 8

Nagaland Power & Parliamentary Affairs Minister KG Kenye today asserted that the leaders of the 40s and the 50s were the most productive generation.

“Today, we have the state where everything is now taking shape in the modern context,” he said while addressing first day of the platinum jubilee-cum-49th Biennial Conference of the Sümi Aphuyemi Kiphimi Küqhakulu (SAKK) being held under the theme, “Honouring the Odyssey” at Pughoboto town on January 8. 

Dwelling on the contribution of the earlier generations, Kenye said they saved whatever little money they had for school fees, uniforms, books, and travel expenses, and that these sacrifices eventually paid rich dividends.

“They have done well. The most important thing is educating the citizens. Otherwise, whatever modernity and advancement gives us, it will be like giving gold to the pig, as is written in the gospel,” he added.

Kenye said that everything worthwhile today is the result of the initiatives and contributions of yester generations, adding that society continues to benefit from the foundations they laid and has scarcely moved beyond them.

Most unproductive generation
He further claimed that the present generation as “the most unproductive generation,” asserting:  “We only know how to look back, squabble over whatever our yester generations have left for us, fight among ourselves, divide our people, overlook the interests of the people, and have vested interests.”

The minister also maintained that that from the time his generation assumed student leadership in the 1980s to the present, the role of students has gradually diminished, adding that the responsibilities and burden carried by students and student leaders have reduced significantly over the years.

“It is different. You don't have to delve into that extent, where you take up each and every socio-political, socio-economic, socio-religious aspects,” he added.

Kenye recalled that the then Kohima Sadar Students' Union (KSSU) in the past has restored a lot of understanding and peace among the people.

In those days, he said that people were not given the opportunity to avail more than studying up to Class VI.

“We were not encouraged beyond that. And only those few who could acquire themselves knowledge were used as the interpreters in the form of GBs and DBs, who speak two languages,” he shared.
The British, the erstwhile rulers at that time, had made good use of the semi-educated, literate people to fulfil and further their interests, he added.  

Kenye said that the then KSSU acted as watchdogs and custodians of the land and people, defending territory in the face of encroachment and challenges while upholding the interests of the community.

“When the vast majority of our citizens were ignored, not educated, and were not aware of what was going on  against the interests of our people and our land, it was from such movements that extensive discussions took place that our future has to be safeguarded,” he added. 

‘Geopolitical boundary should not be compromised’
Meanwhile, Kenye said that regardless of the status people may live under, society remains the same, as do its inhabitants and interests, and therefore geopolitical boundaries should not be compromised.

“Under all circumstances, if the interest of our people is protected, our geopolitical territory is protected, and if we don't lose sight of our ultimate objective, then, we are still safe,” he held. 

Complimenting the SAKK for attaining 75 years since its inception in 1951, the minister wished the union to continue to lead the people towards love, peace and progress.

MLA Dr Sukhato A Sema; MLA Dr Neisatuo Mero; MLA Ar Jwenga Seb; Chairman of the Nagaland State Mineral Development Corporation (NSMDC), Kuputo Shohe; President of the Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO), Vezuhu Keyho; President of the Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF), Kuvesa Khamo; Working President of the NPF Central Youth Wing, Supoyi Vezhii; and several other dignitaries were also present at the celebration.

Earlier, SAKK president Hutoka Assumi delivered presidential address while Angami Students’ Union (ASU) President Diezevisie Nakhro and SKK President Gihuka Zhimo also shared greetings.

Welcome address was delivered by Vixepu Swu, former president of SAKK while Hokheho Kiho, former president SAKK released the SAKK platinum jubilee souvenir.

Rev Vibo Sumi, ES NCRC Sumi Hq Pughoboto led special prayer for the platinum jubilee.

The celebration will continue till January 10.