Nagaland: KAK and STC celebrate golden jubilee

Two significant Golden Jubilee celebrations were held on December 20, marking milestones of community spirit and faith at Kohima and Phelungre.
At Capital Cultural Hall, Kohima, the Kikruma Association Kohima (KAK) celebrated its Golden Jubilee with a grand programme featuring cultural presentations, felicitations, and thanksgiving. Gracing the occasion as special guest, Helievio Solo, chairman of Kohima Village Council (KVC), congratulated KAK for attaining 50 years and commended its discipline and community spirit. He urged members to continue living responsibly and peacefully, while stressing the need to strengthen the age-old bond between Kohima and Kikruma villages. He further proposed initiating cultural and youth exchange programmes to deepen ties between the two communities.
Former Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly Thenucho Tunyi encouraged the people of Kikruma to explore global job opportunities, noting that government employment in Nagaland has reached saturation. He urged officers to remain diligent and sincere in their service. In his presidential address, KAK president Povezo Puro suggested the theme “Future-ready reasoning” for the next decade, envisioning KAK as a beacon of harmony and a bridge between culture.
The Jubilee souvenir was released by Kiirethi Vero, eldest member of KAK, while prayers for the newly announced office bearers for the 2025–27 tenure, led by Potsutso Thira (president) and Veliita Kezo (general secretary), were offered by Rev. Dziithohii Kezo, pastor of Kikruma Baptist Church. The programme also witnessed performances by the Jubilee choir and North Kikruma folk dancers. KAK felicitated Vevotolii Kezo, the first IAS officer from Kikruma, and Besusayo Kezo, the first IPS officer from Kikruma. Invocation and benediction were pronounced by Dr. Chikhungo Puro and Miidohii Kezo.
Meanwhile, at St. Thomas Church (STC), Phelungre, the Catholic community celebrated its Golden Jubilee-cum-Church Dedication with a solemn programme marked by blessings and thanksgiving. Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, blessed the Jubilee Monolith, while it was unveiled by Dr. Johnny Ruangmei, president of CAN and joint CEO, NSDMA. The ribbon-cutting of the newly dedicated church was officiated by John Tsulise Sangtam, secretary, Department of Works and Housing. The Jubilee Plaque was unveiled by Azenou Conepta Penyu, retired director, Rural Development, and the Jubilee Flag was hosted by public leader S.K. James.
In his homily, Bishop Thoppil congratulated the Catholic community of Phelungre, praising the leadership of Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Philip Magh and acknowledging the contributions of past priests, Sisters, catechists, and elders of Kiphire parish. He reminded the faithful that while building the physical structure of a church may be easy with resources, the true Church is the people themselves—the living temple of God—which must be built daily with faith and devotion.
The celebration included traditional music, the Jubilee Anthem, Holy Mass with entrance dance in traditional attire, lighting of 50 Jubilee candles, and blessing of the altar. The felicitation programme featured speeches by Dr. Johnny Ruangmei, P. Tsaseto, head GB of Phelungre, and Roukoubeu Roselyn Miachieo, president of NCWA. The Jubilee Souvenir was released by Bishop Thoppil, while Mathew Seili, finance convener, made a presentation. Vote of thanks was delivered by Mark Lisemong, planning chairman, and valedictory prayer by Simon Athrise, Catechist, Phelungre.