YANTHAN, ACHUMBEMO URGE STUDENTS TO EMBRACE UNITY AND CULTURAL VALUES
Advisor of Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan, graced the third day of the 53rd General Conference of the Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) at Old Changsu village on Friday, hosted by Englan Range Students under the theme “Transcend Beyond Borders.”
Addressing the gathering as special guest, Yanthan underscored the urgent need to preserve cultural identity amid rapid global changes. He lauded the organisers for focusing on cultural preservation, describing it as both timely and significant.
Yanthan cautioned that while globalisation and technological advancement have brought benefits such as improved access to education, economic opportunities and exposure, they have also posed serious challenges to indigenous traditions, languages and practices. He expressed appreciation for the participation of the Assam cultural troupe, noting that fostering relationships of brotherhood was vital as communities across the region have historically been interconnected.
Expressing concern over the decline in native dialects, Yanthan remarked, “If we stop speaking our own language, our identity will disappear.” He urged the younger generation to reflect on their roots and heritage, and called for everyday practice of cultural dances, traditional attire and folk songs rather than limiting them to festivals.
Highlighting the pace of global change, he said challenges today extend beyond technology to agriculture, forestry, climate change and environmental issues such as global warming. He emphasised the collective responsibility to adapt and mitigate these impacts.
Encouraging innovation, Yanthan advised youth to explore opportunities in agricultural startups, tourism and creative arts, cautioning against limiting aspirations solely to government employment. He stressed skill development, discipline, integrity and humility as essential qualities for future leaders, urging students to embrace both traditional wisdom and modern knowledge.
On infrastructure, Yanthan underscored the importance of road connectivity for development and raised concern over the growing human–elephant conflict in the Lotha area, calling for collective measures to address the issue.
As a symbolic step, Yanthan initiated a pledge to uphold and protect cultural identity, which was actively participated in by the gathering, marking a first-of-its-kind initiative at the LSU conference.
The conference featured greetings from North East Students’ Organisation (NESO) secretary general Mutsikhoyo Yhobu and a special presentation by All Assam Students’ Union.
At the valedictory session, Achumbemo Kikon, MLA and chairman of the Bhandari SDPDB, emphasized that the conference should leave a lasting impact on participants both individually and collectively.
Kikon underscored that a students’ conference, particularly one of intellectuals, must not “go empty-handed and empty-headed.” He urged participants to return to their villages, towns and cities enriched with experience, memories and wisdom that go beyond classroom learning, stressing that such gatherings play a crucial role in shaping society.
Speaking on the theme, Kikon highlighted the historical role of the Lotha community in pioneering inclusive leadership within Naga history. He recalled that the Naga political movement, beginning with the formation of the Naga Club in 1918 and later the Naga National Council in 1946 at Wokha, brought diverse tribes together under a unified Naga identity. He noted that this vision of unity was the foresight of Naga elders who thought beyond village and tribal boundaries despite limited formal education.
Calling upon the younger generation, Kikon urged students not to confine their thinking to village, range or tribal interests alone. He challenged educated Naga youth to develop broader visions for society and contribute positively towards unity and reconciliation, warning that a divided society cannot stand.
He also cautioned against the misuse of social media, appealing to youngsters to promote constructive dialogue rather than negativity and hate. Emphasizing cultural values, Kikon encouraged students to reconnect with Naga traditions rooted in mutual respect, care for one another and community harmony. He further highlighted the need for serious reading habits and quality education, cautioning that reliance on superficial information could lead to a “half-educated society” unable to compete globally.
Nagaland Students’ Federation (NSF) president Mteisuding also addressed the gathering, stressing the importance of Inner Line Regulation (ILR) as a safeguard for Naga identity. He warned against unchecked influx of outsiders and announced the proposed Power 60 initiative to select 60 meritorious students for UPSC coaching in Kohima.
The programme concluded with a blessing prayer by Rev. Moyithung N. Murry, senior pastor of New Riphyim Baptist Church, followed by an extravaganza night featuring Lotha artists and special appearances by Mengu Suokhrie and Keneisenuo Sorhie.
As part of the then conference, a cultural session was held under the theme “Ignite the younger generation through our cultural identity.” The session featured yodelling, folk songs, folk dances and tug-of-war competitions, reflecting the rich traditions of the community.
In the debate competition, Lolano Lotha of RASU secured first place, followed by Yanrowo Y. Ezung of WRSU in second, while Erenthung Ezung of KLSU and Sorenbeni T. Odyuo of DLSU shared third place.
In the war cry competition, James Ennie clinched first position, Renchithung Kithan finished second, and Mhademo Ovung along with Chanbemo Ngullie jointly secured third.
In the folk dance competition, DLSU emerged champions, with LLRSU in second place and LMRSU in third.
The folk song competition saw ERSU bagging first place, followed by NRSU and WCSU in second and third respectively.
In the tug-of-war (female) event, DLSU claimed the top spot, while ERSU finished second. In the male category, ERSU emerged winners, with WCSU as runners-up.