K Tokugha Sukhalu addresses the gathering during the second day of the 52nd SKK general conference held at Satoi Town, Zunheboto on January 29. (Morung Photo)
NSF will never shy away from addressing student issues, asserts Heraang
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | January 29
MLA and Advisor for Food & Civil Supplies, Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection, K Tokugha Sukhalu on January 29 has expressed concern over the lack of emergence of Sümi leader and high-level officers.
Speaking as the chief guest during the second day of the 52nd SKK General Conference held at Satoi Town, Sukhalu appealed to the SKK leadership to continue guiding the younger generation, asserting that many issues could be addressed through a strong and committed student community.
Highlighting the challenges faced by Zunheboto district despite being one of the oldest districts, Sukhalu attributed the lag behind other districts to weak organisational strength.
Likewise, he called upon parents and elders to prioritise student’s education stating, “education should be valued above wealth and property.”
Sharing his personal testimony to the gathering, he urged the youth to think carefully, listen attentively, and reflect on the teachings and guidance of their leaders.
Emphasising the importance of education and knowledge, he recalled how late Avito Kiba in the 1940s recognised the value of education and initiated schools through provisions made by the British government in the Sümi land.
“If a person living in the 1940s could understand the importance of education, why can’t we do the same today?” he questioned, while urging students to prioritise learning at the same time.
Stressing on the conference theme “Revitalising Traditional Values,” he emphasised the need to promote indigenous cultural products and strengthen agriculture as part of cultural revival.
Concluding his address, the Advisor encouraged the youth to work hard, pursue education seriously, and prepare themselves to lead in the future, while reiterating his appeal to the SKK leadership to continue guiding the younger generation.
The President of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) Teisuding Heraang, in his greetings, maintained that “SKK is the vanguard of the Sümi people.” Describing the Sümi tribe as one of the strongest backbones and a warrior community, he cautioned the youth not to remain complacent with the label of being warriors but to move forward with purpose.
At the same time, Heraang asserted that “NSF will never shy away from addressing student issues,” adding that fragmentation due to language, tribe, and tradition should not be seen as a weakness of the Naga people.
He appealed to the elders to preserve the rights, culture, and identity of the Nagas for future generations, while informing that NSF has initiated a coaching programme in Kohima for UPSC aspirants with the sponsorship of the Nagaland Government.
Earlier, the President of SKK, Gihuka Zhimomi, in his presidential address, highlighted the conference theme and expressed concern over the gradual erosion of traditional values among the present generation. Calling for unity, he opined that the Sümi people must move forward together with one step and one language.
Dr Vihuto Asumi, President of Sümi Hoho, in his greetings, encouraged the congregation to uphold student union conferences from the village level up to the SKK. Stressing the importance of education, he urged students to make education their top priority.
“In this competitive world, success belongs to hardworking people, not the lazy,” Assumi remarked.
Addressing the unemployment crisis, he called for student union conferences to focus on meaningful outcomes which would help the students in their thoughts and outlook of the competitive world.
While strongly encouraging the use of traditional attire during occasions, the president informed that the Sümi Literature Board has appointed Sütsa teachers to promote the Sütsa language.
Furthermore, Assumi urged the Sümi community to take responsibility for uniting Sümis across different regions, asserting that good inter-tribal relations can be fostered through student organisations.
The morning session was marked by the dedication and inauguration of the conference monolith by Rev Dr Daniel Chishi, ES, SBAK, Aizuto.
The programme was chaired by Bokalu V Zhimo, with invocation prayer offered by Daniel Murru of Satoi Town Baptist Church. A special number was presented by Kihikali Rotokha while an enchanting Church Hymnal was presented by the Youth Choir of the Sümi Baptist Church Zunheboto (SBCZ), followed by benediction pronounced by Shikavi Awomi, Pastor, Tsuruhü Baptist Church.
