Reigning Miss Sümi 2025 Linoka Yepthomi, STH officials along with others at the programme on August 25. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | August 25
Reigning Miss Sümi 2025, Linoka Yepthomi, on August 25 launched her social initiative “Beyond the Crown – Planting Seeds of Knowledge” at Zunheboto Government College (ZGC).
Launched under the theme “Beauty with a Purpose,” the initiative seeks to promote education, mentorship, life skills and meaningful opportunities for children and young people, particularly those from orphanages, underserved communities and remote areas. The initiative is built around three core areas ‘Educate, Empower and Inspire.’
The programme began with a welcome address by ZGC Principal Dr R Bendangtemjen, who said the occasion was a “very special moment” for the college and acknowledged the significance of an initiative centred on education and opportunities for the younger generation.
The project was launched by Vitoli Rochill, President of Sümi Totimi Hoho.
In her address, Linoka said the initiative was born from a desire to take her responsibility as Miss Sümi beyond the crown and use the platform to create meaningful and lasting change. “The crown has given me a platform. But I believe a platform becomes meaningful only when it is used for something greater than ourselves,” she said.
Explaining the purpose of the initiative, Linoka said every child carries a dream, talent, curiosity and a voice, but sometimes what they need most is someone to believe in them. “Sometimes, they simply need someone to say: ‘You are capable. Your dreams matter. I believe in you,’” she said.
Linoka, who has a background in social work, said her own access to educational opportunities had strengthened her sense of responsibility to use her voice, knowledge and platform to uplift children who may not have the same opportunities.
She said the first phase of the initiative would involve visits to three primary schools and an orphanage, where she plans to engage with children through conversations, stories, interactive activities and learning sessions. She also plans to contribute stationery and essential school supplies to support their education.
However, she emphasised that the initiative was not only about providing material support. “I hope to leave behind a little more confidence, a little more curiosity and perhaps a small seed of a dream,” she said, adding that sometimes a dream only needs someone who believes in it to begin growing.
Linoka said the initiative would begin on a small scale but was envisioned as a long-term, child-centred effort involving education, mentorship, awareness and continued community engagement. “I know that meaningful change does not happen overnight. And I am not afraid to begin small. Because every tree begins with a seed, and every meaningful change begins with someone willing to plant one,” she said.
The initiative, she explained, was founded during her reign as Miss Sümi 2025, but its vision extends beyond the pageant title. She said the project would continue as a commitment to serving communities and creating sustainable impact even after her reign ends.
The launch also featured an interactive session with participants, providing an opportunity to discuss the objectives of the initiative and its focus on education, aspiration and empowerment.
After the launching programme Miss Sumi visited Government Middle School Amiphoto and Mount Carmel Home (Orphanage) at Sukhalu where she interacted with the students.
