Veteran journalist and Sovima Village Council Chairman, Sebastian Zumvü (center), with the Executive Council and members of the Kohima Press Club during the 24th Foundation Day celebration at APO Conference Hall, Kohima, on January 20.
Observes 24th Foundation Day
Morung Express News
Kohima | January 20
Heralding a new chapter, the Kohima Press Club (KPC) celebrated its 24th Foundation Day at the APO Conference Hall, Kohima, with veteran journalist and Sovima Village Council Chairman, Sebastian Zumvü, as the special guest.
In her presidential address, Alice Yhoshü described the occasion as “a landmark” and announced that all KPC activities in the coming year will be part of the 25th Anniversary celebrations. She highlighted that the Executive Council has decided to launch its website, www.kohimapressclub.com, to establish the club’s online presence and enhance its credibility. “We aim to promote professionalism through the website,” she said. The website, designed by Liyo Kikon, was formally launched by Zumvü.
Yhoshü reflected on KPC’s formation in 2001 by a few Kohima-based journalists when no proper press body existed to protect journalists’ rights. She noted, “The Kohima Press Club gradually grew over the years, and today we have 68 members representing both print and electronic media.” Paying tribute to the founding members, she credited their farsightedness for steering the club to its current standing.
Hope for a permanent building
Yhoshü expressed dismay that KPC still lacks a permanent building after 24 years. However, she acknowledged the state government for allotting land in the New Secretariat area and recalled Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s historic announcement on February 27, 2023, to construct a permanent Press Club building at the site.
“We look forward to the state government’s commitment to building a vibrant Media Centre in the state capital, complete with facilities for visiting journalists,” she said.
With the current Executive Council’s tenure set to expire in July, Yhoshü assured members of the council’s cooperation during the transition period. She also reminded them of KPC’s motto, "To Serve," urging them to rededicate themselves to the profession while upholding journalistic ethics.
“As members of the Fourth Estate, we will face daunting situations, but we must maintain credibility by adhering to ethics and fostering a responsible media landscape,” she emphasized.
A nostalgic reunion
Zumvü, one of the founding members present during KPC’s formation in 2001, described the event as nostalgic. He recounted the early days of journalism in Nagaland, when he was the publisher of North East Herald. “It was a nascent stage for journalism in the region, and we faced many challenges,” he said.
Zumvü recalled his departure from Nagaland in 2004, which distanced him from the press fraternity, and shared memories of colleagues like Jack T. Chakhesang, Xavier Rutsa, and Kaka D. Iralu. “We suffered a lot but also had memorable times together,” he said, noting that technology has since revolutionized the profession. He urged KPC members to embrace these advancements to improve news delivery.
Zumvü also suggested extending the current Executive Council’s tenure until the completion of the silver jubilee celebrations.
In his opening remarks, senior journalist and KPC member Narain B. Sagar described the 24th Foundation Day as “not just another milestone, but a reminder of the press’s invaluable role in society.” He urged members to renew their commitment to responsible journalism, transparency, and fostering an engaged society.
The event featured remarks from KPC advisors Kopelo Krome and Jonas Yanthan, a musical performance by Seyiekietuo Keretsu, the General Secretary’s Report by Vishü Rita Krocha, and a vote of thanks by Vice-President Asa Seyie. As part of the tradition, members exchanged gifts to mark the occasion.
