Attach importance to one’s identity: Advisor Yanthan

DLSU Golden Jubilee commences at DGC complex

Morung Express News
Dimapur | October 14

Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Dimapur Lotha Students’ Union (DLSU), a two-day conference, under the theme— Envisioning Radiant Posterity, commenced at the Dimapur Government College complex. The conference began with MLA and Advisor, Horticulture & Border Affairs, Mhathung Yanthan unfurling the DLSU flag at the inaugural session where he was the special guest. 

Yanthan, in his address, remembered the pioneers of the DLSU, the first signs of which dates back to the 1960s, when a group of Lotha students from the only college in Dimapur at the time mulled the idea of forming a students’ body. The idea official took shape in 1972 with the founding members, led by Rainbow Lotha as President and Nyamo Z Yanthan as General Secretary, taking office.

Jubilees, he said, are a time to not only pay tributes to the pioneers but also ensure that their vision is carried on for generations to come as implied by the jubilee theme. According to him, resolve, alongwith faith in God are often what is required for a community to move forward for the better. 

While dwelling on the importance of safeguarding one’s identity and tradition, Yanthan asserted that being attached to one’s roots defines “who we are and where we belong.” Besides, he said that “speaking our own mother tongue,” attaching importance to one’s geographical area, traditional attire, folk arts are all crucial elements to maintaining identity. 

The Lotha students, he added, are as talented as any other and he encouraged them to uphold mutual love and respect and to stand as one. 

For a people coming from a place known as a ‘Land of Plenty,’ he called for judicious application of the resources toward self-sustenance. He said, “We need to learn to be part of change, broaden our understanding, adopt and bring change by being globally responsible persons.”

The Naga people, he added were known to be honest hard-workers and thus, all Nagas must live up to it through dedication and sincerity.  “There is no short cut to success, one need to work hard, be committed, dedicated, learn to utilise time… for learning is a continuous process,” he said. HSLC and HSSLC merit students of the community were also felicitated at the inaugural session. 

The jubilee will culminate on October 15, wherein Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton will be the chief guest at the morning session and MLA & Advisor, Information Technology, Science & Technology, New and Renewable, Mmhonlumo Kikon will be the special guest at the valedictory session. It will be followed by an entertainment extravaganza— Jubilee Nite at the DGC ground.