Minister Tongpang Ozukum addressing the 50th general conference of All Sumi Students Union held at Old Shena village on January 29.
Minister Tongpang addresses All Sumi Students Union 50th general conference
Zunheboto, January 29 (MExN): Minister for PWD (Housing & Mechanical), Tongpang Ozukum, said, “Sumis are the most progressive tribe and the most far sighted tribe amongst the Nagas.”
A press release from the Press Secretary to the Minister, PWD (H&M) said that speaking as the special guest during the 50th general conference of All Sumi Students Union at Old Shena village on January 29, Tongpang said that the Sumi tribe was the most progressive people with many efficient bureaucrats, technocrats, social workers, businessmen and seasoned and upcoming politicians. He also stated that they were also adventurous and bold hearted people since the early days when the rest of the Nagas were so comfortable in their cocoons by citing an example of late Kelhoshe Sema, who served as the minister of forest in undivided Assam, before the formation of Nagaland state; and who later went on to be elected as the first MLA from Mokokchung town constituency.
At the same time, Tongpang asked the students gathered at the conference to stop basking in the laurels and achievements of their forefathers but continue to sacrifice and strive harder in order to be truly educated and not merely be a literate in this competitive world where government jobs have become saturated along with the absence of private companies in our state to accommodate all the young educated Nagas.
He also said that the state government constitutes a board under Nagaland Staff Selection Board after which meritocracy will be uphold and honoured and therefore every aspiring young Nagas should be prepared to become the best in their field of studies in order to defeat the rest.
As future leaders of Sumi people and Nagas as a whole, he challenged the Sumi students to take the lead and be warriors of peace and unity in the present fragmented Naga society which is filled with sharp divisions amongst the civil societies divided on tribal, clan and territorial lines.
The minister also asked the students to be rooted in their rich culture and always keep connected with the people and their native land. “Wherever you may be or whatever you become in the future, never forget your village and identity. We lose nothing but gain in loving our people and land,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Dr Hotokhu Chishi Rtd Director, Health and family welfare (Dental) who was the theme speaker spoke on the theme ‘Thukuwulo Kileghi Chewuni’ (Fostering equitable Progress). Greetings were said by Kegwayhun Tep, president, NSF and Nungdokyanger Ao, president AKM. The programme was chaired by X Chophika Sumi and Limeka D Yeptho.
