Nagaland: Jacob urges students to preserve traditions

Minister of Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), Jacob Zhimomi, has called upon students to preserve and sustain the cultures and traditions of the Sumi community and the Nagas in general.
Speaking as chief guest at the 42nd biennial conference of Aqahuto Area Students’ Union (AASU) at Pimla village on January 10, Jacob lamented that many youngsters were unable to speak fluent Sumi dialect. “We can understand the words the younger generation are saying but it is not fluent or polished,” he said, while encouraging students to speak the dialect with confidence.
He reminded that it was equally important to remain rooted in the age-old culture and rich heritage that defined the identity of the people. “It doesn’t matter if we are rich and live lavishly, the first thing outsiders will ask us is where we come from and what our practices, identity and culture are,” Jacob maintained.
Lauding the organisers for hosting traditional competitions, he said such initiatives were the need of the hour for the student community. “In this rapidly evolving world, the key to survival is adapting—with a keen eye for learning,” he added.
Delivering greetings, president of Chakhroma Youth Organisation (CYO), Medochüzo Medoze, said the event was a reminder of the bond shared between the Chakhroma people and the Western Sumi community. He acknowledged past differences but noted that visionary leaders had reconciled to secure the future of the people.
Medoze said the elders had laid a strong foundation and urged the younger generation to continue building a future of peace, understanding and collective progress. He reaffirmed CYO’s unwavering support for unity and cooperation between Chakhroma Public Organisation and Western Sumi Hoho (WSH), mentioning that CYO was committed to being ambassadors of peace and unity.
Encouraging AASU members, Medoze called upon students to believe in themselves, dream boldly, and walk with discipline.
The programme featured traditional competitions including War Cry (Itsa Kuxu), Fire Making (Amikukla) and Atüna Kupu (Couple Traditional Show).
Earlier, AASU president N. Sumika Swu delivered the presidential address, while invocation was led by Inato Paul Chophy, pastor of Vihuto Village Baptist Church. A special song was presented by Jubika Zhimomi, Thighale was performed by Pimla Village Sumi Totimi Loka women cultural troupe, and benediction was pronounced by Tokheli Muru, pastor.