Time to shift from individualism to collectivism

Justice H. Khetoho Sema, former Judge Supreme Court addressing the inaugural programme of the year-long Platinum Jubilee celebration of Sumi Kiphimi Kuqhakulu on January 15. (Morung Photo)

 

Dimapur, January 15: The year-long Platinum Jubilee celebration of Sumi Kiphimi Kuqhakulu (SKK) was kick-started on Wednesday at Imulomi village where the first conference of SKK (then known as Sema Students’ Conference) was held in 1940 January.

 

Justice H. Khetoho Sema, former Judge Supreme Court, who was also the 6th President of SKK (1965-66), unveiled the jubilee monolith in the presence of former SKK leaders, Sumi leaders, Planning Board Platinum Jubilee members, elders and well wishers.

HK Sema said that the need of the hour in Nagaland was unity of the Nagas and the Sumis. He said it was time for the Naga people to shift from individualism to collectivism. He urged the Church leaders to work with renewed zeal towards ushering in love, peace and unity.

H K Sema, who returned to the area after 41 years rued the absence of major positive changes even with the passage of decades. He, however, said that the area was blessed as many of his contemporaries and elderly people were still alive. He urged the people to make the best use of the wisdom of the elderly people. HK Sema said even though he was in service for 25 years with the Government of India, he never forgot his own Sumi people but remained concerned. Stating that the Sumi frontal organizations were the head of the Sumi community, he cautioned the leaders against fragmentation within themselves.

To the younger generation, the retired Judge told them not to compromise with their future but to take God along with them. “Let hundreds be against you but if God is with you that is enough,” he said. He also cautioned them against “speaking in the language of money.” Speaking briefly on the contentious issue of Article 371 (A), the former Supreme Court Judge expressed lurking fear that a time might come when the Government of India would amend the Article.

Ex-MLA Yeshito Chishi who was the 7th president of SKK and was supposed to exhort the gathering but could not attend the programme owing to ill health sent message expressing happiness at the jubilee celebration. Chairman Planning Board Platinum Jubilee, Kitoho S. Rotokha, the 24th president of SKK highlighted on the various activities to be taken up by the Sumi apex students’ union  during the year-long jubilee celebration.  Incumbent SKK President, Holuvi Chophy delivered presidential address.

The Media & Publicity Committee Planning Board Platinum Jubilee SKK in a press release stated that Imulomi, Sukomi, Yesholuto and Litsami villages, marked the launching programme of the Platinum Jubilee with cultural performances. Sumi Sheshu, a renowned male singing group among the Sumis presented songs on the occasion. A minute’s silence was observed remembering and honouring former SKK leaders who passed away.

Jubilee prayer blessing were pronounced by Rev Yevito Jimo, Executive Secretary (ES) SBAK Nito Mount; Rev Dr. Joshua Rochill, ES, SBAK Aizuto; Rev Hotokhu Zhimomi, ES, SABAK Pughoboto and Rev. S. Vitoshe Swu ES WSBAK. Former SKK leaders, Sumi frontal organization leaders and a host of elders were felicitated during the programme. Earlier, Rev Dr. Khehovi Director Sumi Baptist Convention invoked God’s blessing prior to unveiling of the jubilee monolith. Imulo Tokukujo Kiphimi Kuqhakulu hosted the launching programme.

During the year-long Platinum Jubilee celebration, the SKK would be taking up various activities such as training on entrepreneurship skill development at Niuland in April, awareness camp on competitive exams in July-August, observing Sumi Patriots’ Day on August 4, constructing jubilee memorial hall in Zunheboto, jubilee memorial institution at Niuland etc. The jubilee celebration will culminate on January 15, 2015 at Zunheboto.