Western Sümi Totimi Hoho celebrates silver jubilee with traditional fervour

Spectacular performance of “Thishole”, a Sümi folksong, by 1400 “Sülimis” (Sümi women) in traditional attire, and a heartwarming rendition of Sümi poem, “Kulolau Sülimi Shekiqhe Leshe”, marked the silver jubilee celebration of Western Sümi Totimi Hoho (WSTH) at Thilixü Village Local Ground, Chümoukedima on Wednesday.
“Thishole”, sung by womenfolk while pounding rice in preparation of community feast or pre and post-harvest festivals, was performed by “Sülimis” from different units and villages under WSTH at the “Mega Cultural Event”. The “Sümi Leshe” was recited by womenfolk from Sümi Totimi Loka (STL) of Chekiye, Kiyeto and Thahekhu villages.
Addressing the “Mega Cultural Event” as special guest, advisor industries and commerce, Hekani Jakhalu, congratulated WSTH on attaining 25 years. She lauded the “visionary” Western Sümi founders/pioneers for their foresight and appreciated their invaluable contributions for the Sümi community to progress.
While appreciating the indispensable involvement of Sümi women in building the Western Sümi community, Hekani said their crucial role was evident in the way Sümis have progressed and prospered in this part of the state.
Hekani said she becoming an MLA was also an answered prayer of the Sümi women in particular and Naga women in general for women representatives in the State Assembly (NLA).
Underscoring the importance of representation, Hekani said that more Naga women needed to come out and lead from the forefront.
Speaking on the importance of unity and oneness among the Nagas, Hekani lamented the disunity among the Nagas and called for harbouring the “spirit of brotherhood” for the Naga society to progress. “If we do not change our mindset and unify, then the younger Naga generation will not progress and prosper,” she said.
Stating that women could play a vital role in unifying the Nagas, the advisor asked them to exhibit patience, which according to her was God’s “special power” to women, and continue their endeavour to maintain peace and harmony among the Nagas. The special guest also announced “WSTH Silver Jubilee Scholarship” for Western Sümi women, and informed that the details would be worked out with WSTH.
The “Mega Cultural Event” was followed by “Silver Jubilee Service” on the theme, “Kuqhakulu Chikamujo Ani” (Nurturing Unity) with retired director of higher education, Kuholi Chishi as the theme speaker.
In her message, Chishi said that unity exists in the Sümi community, but they did not nurture the spirit of unity. She said unity could be nurtured by inculcating the following- “embrace diversity”, “embrace the gift of bonding”, “embrace our values”, and “embrace God”.
Deliberating on diversity, she called upon the Sümis to embrace, appreciate, and respect diversity among individuals, within families and the society at large.
On the “gift of bonding”, she said God’s gift to women was patience, humility, and compassion, and called upon the Sümi women to utilize the values to bring the people together.
Stressing on the need to “embrace our values”, the speaker stressed the need for Sümis to preserve and promote their rich culture and traditions, putting emphasis on language, traditional attires, cuisine, arts and crafts. “We must preserve these age-old culture and practices to protect and preserve our Sümi identity for generations to come,” said Chishi.
During the “Silver Jubilee Service”, the invocation was offered by Thilixü Village Baptist Church Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Hevukhu Achumi; welcome address was delivered by WSTH president, Visheli S Yeptho; Jubilee greetings were delivered by Sümi Totimi Hoho (STH) president, Kheholi Assumi, Western Sümi Hoho (WSH) president, Shikaho Zhimomi, and former president of WSTH, G Jolly Zhimomi.
The “WSTH Jubilee Souvenir” was dedicated and released by Western Baptist Akukuhou Küqhakulu (WSBAK) executive secretary, Rev Dr Phughoto Sema, and former president of WSTH, Ahimsa Zhimo respectively. Special song was presented by Jubilee Choir, Sümi Baptist Akukuhou Purana Bazaar; a special prayer for “Jubilee blessings” was invoked by ssecretary, Department of Women Ministry (DoWM), WSBAK, Kakheli Inato Jimomi; vote of thanks by convenor, WSTH Jubilee Organising Committee, Kakheli Vikheshe; and benediction by former vice president of WSTH, Hotoli Chophy, The chairpersons of the service were Women Pastor KTBC, Khevili Aye and Music Director NCRC Sümi Doyapur Road, Atoli Achumi, while recorder of the service was general secretary of Aghunaqa Area STL, Vilika Yepthomi.
Earlier at Eralibill Village, the Jubilee Plague and WSTH building inauguration programme was chaired by WSTH vice president,Ghokheli Achumi; the jubilee plaque and WSTH building was inaugurated by Hukheli T Wotsa, the first WSTH president, and dedicated by women pastor of Ikishe Village Baptist Church and former ssecretary, DoWM, WSBAK, Dr Hotoli Sema. To mark the occasion, 25 “Jubilee balloons” were released by presidents of WSTH and STL. The programme ended with benediction by former vice president of WSTH, Shikhuli Zhimomi. The “Silver Jubilee Mega Cultural Event” was compered by Kavili Kiba and LBA Youth Pastor, Inakavi Aye.