CSU’s platinum jubilee celebration begins in Phek town

Nagaland’s CM to grace main function today

Our Correspondent
Kohima | February 14

The three-day platinum jubilee celebration of the Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) got underway today at Phek town under the theme ‘Towards a Refined Guild.’

Mercy Epao, joint secretary, Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Government of India graced the introductory session this evening and unfurled the CSU flag.

Chakhesang Mothers’ Association (CMA) president Zhonelü Tünyi and Angami Students’ Union (ASU) president Bisevi Nakhro shared greetings and solidarity message respectively.

COLA convenor Khosapa Venuh delivered welcome address while CSU general secretary Avezo Kevin Kapu read out general secretary report.

The session was chaired by CSU former president Vevotso Medeo.

Meanwhile, Nagaland’s Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio will grace the main function on February 15.

Greetings will be shared by MLA Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu while jubilee blessing will be pronounced by CSU former president Deo Nukhu.

Solidarity message will be shared by Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) president Kegwayhun Tep while Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO) Vezuhu Keyho will exhort the gathering.

CSU president Vetho Vadeo will deliver presidential address.

CSU former president Kekhwengulo Lea will chair the function while Central Organizing Committee (COC) convenor Miitsikhoyo Yhobu will deliver welcome address.

The programme will be followed by anniversary feast, union assembly and theme session with Dr Zavise Rume, SCERT Nagaland as the speaker.
 
‘Towards a Refined Guild’

On the Platinum Jubilee theme ‘Towards a Refined Guild,’ the CSU said that “75 years comprises of many milestones that the CSU has attained and the advancement is tremendous, not only in education but in building up a robust society of our Chakhesang community.”

It stated that the forefathers and forbearers of CSU have lain “the firm foundation for us and in their legacy we remain blessed.”

However, with the changing times and generations, it said that the world is continually experiencing an ever-changing revolution of development and growth. As such, the community needs to be consistent in adapting to the fast-progressing world. To stand out in such a scenario, it put out a call to the CSU community and beyond, “to crusade ‘Towards a Refined Guild’ where we, as a guild, a community, or society would be able to discern the refinement we need from a world that is bombarded with unfiltered perceptions and information; to question individuals on their convictions as to what they can contribute to the world as an element of this guild, or how we can all partake and endorse towards a transformation that we all desire and yearn for the Naga society as a whole.”

CSU’s 75 year journey 

The CSU had to tussle with lots of difficulties and challenges during the formative period. Under difficult circumstances, the pioneering educationists like Goyiepra Kenye, Wezolo Tsühah, Neingulo Tsühah, Wechüru Wezah, Zasheyi Huire, Niesatsü Khamo, Kekhwechü Khesoh, Tsovori Rose, Wezülhi Krome and Tarachu took initiative to form the much needed students' body by holding several consultative meetings.

This led to the formation of Chakhesang student body with Tsovori as chairperson and the first Chakhesang students' conference was organized at Pfutsero.

Goyiepra Kenye, who was one of the architects in the formation of Chakhesang students' conference, was unanimously elected as the President with Wezolo Tsühah as General Secretary and Vesozolü Nienu as Vice Secretary.

It was at a later stage that the Chakhesang Students' Conference was renamed as Chakhesang Students' Union.

Chakhesang tribe being a conglomeration of sub-tribes, the pioneers chose a motto ‘Feeling of oneness,’ with a vision to keep the Chakhesangs united and integrated.

During the historic Indo-Naga conflict (1956 - 1958), there was a disruption in the continuity of the CSU along with churches and schools. 

Amidst this turmoil, some leaders like N Theyo, Vamuzo Phesao, Dr Neikhrolo K Mero, Kewetso, Lhuthiprü Vasa, Melhüpra Vero along with other members took a step forward and revived the tottering Union in 1959, and under the Presidentship of N Theyo (1959-1961) CSU was activated again.

CSU pamphlet stated that the students’ organization was the foremost public forum for expressing grievances and rights in those years.

Thus, MV Chakhesang, the then President of CSU introduced a logo and a new motto “Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto” (Let the welfare of the people be the final law), during the Silver Jubilee Celebration of the Union.

The need to have a written document to guide the Union was manifested sometime back in 1967, and later in 1971 the CSU published the first written Constitution drafted by a committee headed by Vamuzo Phesao.

Since its inception, the CSU, has been upholding its basic principles and vision to struggle against all formidable challenges to defend and uphold the welfare of our people.

The CSU has also been constantly evolving its organisational set up and activities to mould and shape the youth to meet the challenges of a changing world.