1400 Sülimis (Sümi women) from Western Sümi area perform ‘Thishole’ a mega cultural display during the Western Sümi Totimi Hoho Silver Jubilee celebration at Thilixu Village on June 7. (Photo by Caisii Mao)
1400 Sümi women perform 'Thishole'
Morung Express News
Chümoukedima | June 7
The Western Sümi Totimi Hoho (WSTH) today celebrated its Silver Jubilee at Thilixu Village under the theme, ‘Kuqhakulu Chikamujo Ani’ (Nurturing Unity), with Advisor, Industries and Commerce, Government of Nagaland, Hekani Jakhalu as special guest and Retired Director, Higher Education, Government of Nagaland, Kuholi Chishi as the theme speaker.
Advisor, Industries and Commerce, Government of Nagaland, Hekani Jakhalu
Addressing a multitude of gathering at the Silver Jubilee Mega Cultural Event, Jakhalu said that becoming an MLA was an answered prayer of the ‘Sülimis’ (Sümi women) and Naga women in general for women representatives in Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA). She also underscored the importance of representation and said that more Naga women need to come out and lead from the forefront.
Lamenting the disunity among the Nagas, Jakhalu called for oneness in order for the Naga society to progress. She opined that the Naga society was not progressing because people resort to ‘blame game’ and noted the need for a change of mindset. She, therefore, urged the Nagas to harbour the spirit of brotherhood.
“If we do not change our mindset and unify, then the younger Naga generation will not progress and prosper,” she said. In this regard, Jakhalu said that women can play a vital role in unifying and reconciling the people by exhibiting patience, which according to her is God’s ‘special power’ to women.
The special guest also announced the ‘WSTH Silver Jubilee Scholarship’ for Western Sümi women, details of which will be worked out with WSTH later. She hoped that the Jubilee blessings will pass on to generations, while also noting that it will only be possible with “God by our side.”
‘Spirit of unity can be nurtured’
Addressing the Silver Jubilee service, theme speaker, Kuholi Chishi, said that unity exists in the Sümi community; however, they do not nurture the spirit of unity. She said that unity can be nurtured by embracing diversity, embracing the gift of bonding, embracing Sümi values and embracing God.
Retd Director, Higher Education, Govt of Nagaland, Kuholi Chishi
Chishi urged Sümis to embrace, appreciate, and respect the diversity among individuals, within families and the society at large. Stating that God’s gift to women is patience, humility and compassion, she called upon the womenfolk to utilize these values to bring people together.
The speaker further observed the need for Sümis to preserve and promote their rich culture and traditions, putting emphasis on language, traditional attire, 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, invocation was said by Rev Dr Hevukhu Achumi, Senior Pastor Thilixü Village Baptist Church; welcome address was delivered by Visheli S Yeptho, WSTH President; Jubilee greetings by Sümi Totimi Hoho President Kheholi Assumi, Western Sümi Hoho President Shikaho Zhimomi, and G Jolly Zhimomi, former WSTH President.
The Jubilee Souvenir was dedicated and released by Rev Dr Phughoto Sema, Executive Secretary, WSBAK, and Ahimsa Zhimo, former president of WSTH respectively. Special song was presented by Jubilee Choir, Sümi Baptist Akukuhou Purana Bazaar; a prayer for Jubilee blessings was invoked by Kakheli Inato Jimomi, Secretary, Department of Women Ministry (DoWM), WSBAK while vote of thanks was delivered by Kakheli Vikheshe, Convenor, WSTH Jubilee Organising Committee, and benediction by Hotoli Chophy, former vice president of WSTH.
The service was chaired by Khevili Aye, Women Pastor KTBC and Atoli Achumi, Music Director NCRC Sümi Doyapur Road while recorder of the service was Vilika Yepthomi, general secretary of Aghunaqa Area Sümi Totimi Loka (STL).
Earlier at Eralibill Village, the Jubilee Plaque and WSTH building was inaugurated by Hukheli T Wotsa, the first WSTH President, and dedicated by Dr Hotoli Sema, Women Pastor of Ikishe Village Baptist Church and former Secretary, DoWM, WSBAK. To mark the occasion, 25 Jubilee balloons were released by presidents of WSTH and STL. The programme ended with benediction by Shikhuli Zhimomi, former vice president of WSTH. The inauguration programme was chaired by Ghokheli Achumi, vice president WSTH.
Highlights of the day-long celebration included ‘Thishole,’ a mega cultural display performed by 1400 Sülimis from Western Sümi area, and ‘Kulolau Sülimi Shekiqhe Leshe’ by STLs of Chekiye, Kiyeto and Thahekhu villages. The Silver Jubilee mega cultural event was compered by Kavili Kiba and Inakavi Aye, Youth Pastor, LBA.
