Minister G Kaito Aye addressing the 52nd edition of SKK General Conference c at Satoi Town on January 28. (Morung Photo)
52nd SKK General Conference commences
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | January 28
The 52nd edition of the Sümi Kiphimi Küqhakulu (SKK) General Conference commenced at Satoi Town on January 28 and will continue till January 30. The conference is being held under the theme “Revitalizing Traditional Values,” locally translated as “Aph-Asü Kukhuaye meküa Püxü Kitheni,” and is hosted by the Satoi Area Students’ Union.
Speaking at the inaugural programme, Minister for Roads and Bridges, Government of Nagaland, G Kaito Aye, as the special guest, remarked that Satoi is located in a remote and interior region.
However, he expressed pride in the rapid growth and progress of Sumi students, while stressing the need for collective growth rather than individual advancement. Emphasising the importance of quality education, he stated that there is no shortcut to education and that academic certificates without practical knowledge are inadequate.
Urging students to put learning into practice, Aye encouraged them to grow beyond present achievements, reminding them that they are the future of the community. He clarified that while SKK is not a development body, it plays a vital role in student welfare and community upliftment. He called upon students to support and promote one another.
Highlighting the economic challenges faced by the Sumi community, the minister urged students to renew their lives through education, describing education as a valuable asset. He advised youths to avoid negative influences, refrain from harming others, and instead work towards becoming respectable individuals who contribute positively to society.
Aye also spoke on infrastructure development, stating that Zunheboto district has 1,572 kilometres of road coverage under four Public Works Department divisions, while Nagaland has over 10,000 kilometres of roads. He raised concerns over the healthcare sector, citing manpower shortages, and noted that several educational institutions are facing closure or merger due to low student enrolment.
Calling on students to be “builders and not destroyers,” he urged them to look beyond tribal divisions and work collectively for the unity and development of Nagaland. He cautioned against disintegration among tribes and emphasised the need to build both the state and constituencies together.
The minister also highlighted the potential for eco-tourism in Satoi, expressing hope to see developments such as Chengu trekking routes and base camps in the coming years. He encouraged students to recognise available opportunities and take initiative.
Addressing the youth, Aye stressed the importance of having clear goals and vision, electoral reforms, and rejecting election-related corruption. He urged students to change their mindset and focus on self-reliance and community service. He also cautioned against excessive use of technology, advising youths to use smartphones responsibly and stay away from habits that waste time and energy.
President of Central Nagaland Students’ Association (CNSA), Zuchobemo Jungio, in his greetings, highlighted that CNSA is the apex student body representing the Lotha, Sumi, and Ao tribes of Central Nagaland. He said the organisation is dedicated to fostering unity among students, addressing academic and social concerns, and promoting cultural heritage.
Jungio informed that CNSA was formed in 2010 with the objective of strengthening unity and safeguarding student welfare and well-being. He stressed the importance of mutual support among students, stating that while not everyone may become a civil servant, students must strive to be outstanding, meritorious, and hardworking. He encouraged youths to explore skill-based professions such as masonry, plumbing, entrepreneurship, and other vocational avenues, emphasising self-employment as a means to reduce unemployment in Nagaland.
He further highlighted the vast opportunities available in tourism, noting that the land and areas of Central Nagaland are fertile and largely untapped.
Earlier in the programme, the session was chaired by Ghuvika Yepthomi, with invocation by Inakakali Yepthomi, Women Pastor, Tsutoho Baptist Church. The welcome address was delivered by Kughai Aye, GB, Satoi Town, while the introduction session was conducted by Kheto Ayemi, Vice President, SKK. The General Secretary’s report was presented by Toshika K Kiba, and the programme concluded with a benediction by Hito Aye, Pastor, Itovi Baptist Church.
