Y Kikheto Sema addresses the gathering during the SBTA Golden Jubilee programme held at Rev Dr Kavito Zhimo Hall, TTC, Dimapur on May 17. (Photo Courtesy: SBTA Media Team)
SBTA Golden Jubilee celebration concludes with call for upliftment of Sümi community
Morung Express News
Thahekhu | May 17
Nagaland Principal Secretary for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Y Kikheto Sema, on Sunday appealed to the Sümi community to extend patience and support to those involved in the ongoing revision and translation of the Sümi Bible, while also stressing the urgent need for environmental protection and preservation of the Sümi language.
Addressing the Sümi Baptist Theological Association (SBTA) Golden Jubilee celebration at Rev Dr Kavito Zhimo Hall, Trinity Theological College, Dimapur, Sema said the work of translating and revising the Sümi Bible was a huge burden and challenge and urged the community to stop the backlash directed at members of the Sümi Literature Board and others associated with the translation process over errors and mistakes in the revised edition.
He said the committee was working tirelessly to bring out a more complete and standardised version free from errors, and appealed to the public to contribute constructively by sharing ideas and concerns regarding the translation work.
Emphasising the importance of reconciliation during the Jubilee celebration, Sema, speaking on behalf of the Sümi community, sought forgiveness from the Sümi Literature Board and all individuals involved in the Bible translation work “for all the bad words and deeds done to them during the period.”
“Out of all virtues, the most important is patience,” he said, adding that Jubilee was a time for forgiveness, a time to let bygones be bygones, and a moment to seek a new beginning with love and good faith.
He also underscored the need for documentation and preservation of the Sümi language, lamenting that very few people dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to translation and documentation efforts.
Turning to environmental concerns, Sema warned that excessive hunting and fishing had severely affected the ecology of Naga villages and called for stronger and more effective measures for wildlife preservation.
“Climate change is no more only in talks, and it’s no more barking — it’s biting now,” he said, adding that Article 371 would not “save or eradicate climate change.”
Referring to the gradual disappearance of birds and wild animals from villages, he said ownership of land did not justify indiscriminate hunting and destruction of wildlife.
“We have to think for our younger generations too,” he said, adding that climate change was real and immediate action was necessary.
Sema also expressed concern over the widespread use of plastic bottles despite the ban in the state, stating that a significant amount of such usage was taking place during church programmes and activities.
He appealed to churches across Nagaland to reduce the use of plastic bottles during functions and adopt eco-friendly alternatives.
Concluding his address, Sema extended Jubilee greetings to the congregation, paid tribute to past members of the SBTA, and called for collective efforts towards the upliftment of the Sümi community.
Rev Dr Phughoto Sema, executive secretary of WSBAK and former president of SBTA, delivered the sermon and stressed the importance of forgiveness during the Jubilee celebrations. He also called for renewal and revival among Sümi theologians in spreading the word of God and strengthening missionary work.
The programme was chaired by former SBTA president Hukheli Sema, while Ghunato Assümi, secretary of the Jubilee Planning Board, served as recorder. The opening prayer was led by SBPU president Khekavi Yeptho, while Shetoli Assumi, secretary of DoCEM, SABAK, led the responsive reading.
Special songs were presented by Nito Theological College, SBAK, and the Jubilee Choir. Rev Dr Hotokhu P Zhimomi led the offertory and Jubilee blessings prayer.
The Old Testament Bible reading was led by Niuli Assumi, student representative of SBTA, while Hetoi N Achumi, lecturer at Kihoto Theological College, Shamator, read from the New Testament. The closing and Jubilee feast prayer was pronounced by former SBTA president Rev Hukugha Jimo.
