WSTH members and leaders of its units and areas during the programme at Sumi Cultural Centre, Vihokhu on June 7.
Morung Express News
Vihokhu | June 6
A launching programme for the Western Sumi Totimi Hoho’s (WSTH) year-long Silver Jubilee celebration was held at the Sumi Cultural Centre, Vihokhu during its 24th Foundation Day on June 7. During the event, over a hundred trees were planted to symbolise efforts that the present generation is putting in to ensure comfort and peace for posterity.
The WSTH which was formed in 1998 will celebrate its Silver Jubilee on June 7, 2023.
Addressing the gathering, Sumi Hoho, President, Nikheto Zhimo observed that the Sumi society in the present context is broken in many ways. Because of this, Sumi Hoho, the apex organisation of the Sumi community, has declared 2022 as the year of ‘Sumi Unity,’ and a time for the collective to reflect on the state of affairs.
Stating that all members of the community should make 'Sumi Unity' a mission, Nikheto said he was encouraged to witness such unity among the women at a time when the society is torn up. He remarked that the society is in need of people to put it back together, and called on the women to take on the huge responsibility. He reasoned that while it is a formidable task, women have the God-given gifts of discernment, strength, and intelligence, among others, and that they were capable of shouldering it.
Further noting that the Western Sumis live among several other tribes, he encouraged the women to foster unity and peace not only among the Sumis but also with the rest of the communities.
In her welcome address, WSTH President, Visheli S Yeptho introduced the guests and dignitaries and also highlighted the history of WSTH. She said the nomenclature of Western Sumi Totimi Hoho was coined under the initiative of Ghosuho Zhimomi who was the President of the Western Sumi Hoho at the time (1998).
She also informed that various events have been planned to commemorate the Jubilee along with the construction of a Silver Jubilee memorial building at Eralibill.
A short speech was delivered by Vihuli S Zhimo, former WSTH President. She expressed gratitude to the pioneers and all those who have contributed to the growth of WSTH and the community. Mentioning the Sumi Cultural Centre, Vihokhu was donated to the community by Justice S Hukato Swu (President, State Commission Consumer Redressal Forum, and Chairperson, Advisory Board), and Khesheli Chishi (District Session Judge, Kohima), the former WSTH President made an appeal to the Sumi Hoho to assign a caretaker(s) to take care of the new saplings.
Earlier, the programme which was chaired by WSTH Cultural Secretary began with invocation by Rev Dr Phughoto Sema, Executive Secretary, WSBAK. A special Jubilee song was also presented by Sumi Totimi Loka, Ikishe village.
Convenor of the WSTH Jubilee Planning Committee Kakheli Vikheshe proposed the vote of thanks while Kakheli Inato Zhimomi, Secretary, Department of Women Ministry, WSBAK closed the programme with a benediction prayer.
Dignitaries present during the programme included Justice S Hukato Swu (President, State Commission Consumer Redressal Forum, and Chairperson, Advisory Board), and Khesheli Chishi (District Session Judge, Kohima), state legislators H Tovihoto Ayemi (Advisor for Power), Khehovi Yepthomi (Advisor for Tourism, Art & Culture), Y Vikheho Swu (MLA & Chairperson, District Planning and Development Board, Pughoboto), Azheto Zhimomi (MLA), and Er Picto Shohe (MLA), and Presidents of various Sumi frontal organisations.
The dignitaries along with leaders of various WSTH Units and Areas planted the new saplings which were provided by Beizo Suokhrie, DFO, Dimapur Forest Division and Vivika A Sema, Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF), In-charge Dimapur Range.
