DIMAPUR: On the concluding day of the golden jubilee celebration of Sümi Baptist Theological Association (SBTA) held Sunday at Rev. Dr. Kavito Zhimo hall, Trinity Theological College, members were urged to make collective efforts to strengthen and uplift the Sümi community.
Addressing the gathering, principal secretary for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Y. Kikheto Sema, appealed to the Sümi community to show patience and understanding towards those engaged in the revision and translation of the Sümi Bible. He described the revision process as a “huge burden and challenge” and urged people to stop targeting members of the Sümi Literature Board and others associated with the project over mistakes in the revised edition.
Calling the jubilee a moment of reconciliation and renewal, Kikehto publicly sought forgiveness on behalf of the community from those involved in the translation work for the criticism they had faced. He emphasised patience as one of the greatest virtues and encouraged the community to move forward “with love and good faith.”
Kikheto also raised concerns over preservation of the Sümi language, noting that only a few individuals were committed to documentation and translation efforts. He stressed that safeguarding the language was essential for future generations.
On environmental issues, he warned that climate change was already having visible consequences and criticised excessive hunting and fishing practices in Naga villages, which he said had damaged local ecology and contributed to the disappearance of birds and wildlife. He cautioned that land ownership should not justify indiscriminate destruction of natural resources.
Expressing concern over continued use of plastic bottles despite the statewide ban, particularly during church programmes, Kikheto appealed to churches to adopt eco friendly alternatives. Concluding his speech, he extended jubilee greetings, honoured former members of SBTA and called for collective efforts to strengthen the Sümi community.
Earlier, Rev. Dr. Phughoto Sema delivered the sermon on forgiveness, spiritual renewal and revival. The event was chaired by former SBTA president Hukheli Sema, while jubilee planning board secretary Ghunato Assümi served as recorder. Special performances were presented by Nito Theological College, SBAK and the jubilee choir.
