Sümi Kiphimi Küqhakulu (SKK- All Sumi Students’ Union), the apex Sümi student body, was encouraged to retrospect for the progressive growth of the society and compete in every sector. A press release by SKK media cell stated that this was said by Dr. Sukhato A Sema, MLA while addressing the inaugural session of the three-day 51st biennial general conference” of SKK on January 23 at Multi-Purpose Hall, Zunheboto Town as the special guest.
“SKK being the apex Sümi student body should retrospect themselves for the progressive growth of the society and compete with the rest in term of education, economy, employment and development sector,” Dr. Sukhato said.
Lamenting that Sümi community has been lagging behind in every aspect, the MLA appealed the student community to take the lead.
Asserting the importance of unity for progress, he asked SKK to spearhead unity for an inclusive and progressive society, adding that “without unity, there will be no progress for any community”.
Underscoring the importance of quality education for a progressive society, Dr. Sukhato appealed the student community to acquire quality education and work hard for the competitive examinations.
Highlighting the issue of “proxy” teacher, he asked the citizens of the district to do away with such practices and focus on imparting quality education to students studying in Zunheboto district.
The MLA also sought public cooperation and support for the developmental works within the district.
Earlier, Dr. Sukhato unveiled the memorial stone of 51-U biennial general conference of SKK while SBAK (Aizuto) executive secretary, Rev. Dr. Daniel Chishi said the dedicatory prayer.
Later in the evening session, guest speaker, K Khekiye Sema called upon the Sümis to uphold the legacy of their forefathers with honesty and integrity.
Khekiye said Sümis, in the past, played crucial roles in politics, administration and other fields. However, he lamented that Sümis, at present, were unable to be “even good followers”.
Expressing concern that Sümis leaders were merely following corrupt practices in pursuit of financial gains and neglecting everything else of importance, he said they were even willing to compromise their values. He then called upon the Sümis uphold the legacy of their forefathers with honesty and integrity.
The guest speaker also expressed concern over the declining Christian values and underscored the need of the church and every citizen of the state to take responsibility to reform and bring positive changes in the society.
Advocating for change in the electoral system of the state, Khekiye said at present anyone with money could be elected because “people only worship money politics”. Without any change in electoral politics, he said the society would fall at a fast pace and the future would be bleak.
He also appealed all the Nagas and stakeholders to have a collective voice to bring a Naga political solution.
Greetings were delivered by Nagaland Students Federation (NSF) general secretary, Chumben Khuvung and Central Naga Students’ Association (CNSA) president, R Sunep Pongen. Presidential address was delivered by SKK president, Ngukato L Aye followed by Sümi indigenous war dances by Mudutsughomi Cultural troupe and Thighale Yezashi cultural troupe.