Dr Kuvezochi Hoshi with others during the cultural session at the 67th general session-cum-cultural dance competition of the Phek Students’ Union (PSU) on January 3.
Our Correspondent
Phek I January 4
The two-day-long 67th general session-cum-cultural dance competition of the Phek Students’ Union (PSU) concluded on January 3 at Phek village under the theme “Beyond Mediocrity.”
Gracing the cultural session, General Secretary of the Central Office Bureau (COB), Naga People’s Front, Dr Kuvezochi Hoshi, spoke on the cultural way of life and highlighted how culture evolves over time.
Dr Hoshi elaborated on cultural diversity as reflected through material possessions, folk songs, folk dances, language, behaviour, traditional utensils and modes of work. Emphasising that language is the foremost bearer of cultural identity, he said it plays a vital role in preserving one’s heritage.
Encouraging the Phekmi community to remain humble and respect elders, he said elders are enriched with wisdom gained through experience, often surpassing that of the present generation. He noted that the elders of the Phekmi community lived by three core principles — Mupe (fear), Munga (shame) and Küni (discipline or self-restraint) — which significantly contributed to the success of earlier generations but are gradually being forgotten by today’s youth.
Dr Hoshi urged both students and elders to revive and preserve cultural values while exercising discernment by adopting what is good and beneficial and discarding practices that are inappropriate, especially in the light of Christian faith. He stressed that the Bible is a complete book encompassing wisdom for all aspects of life, including education, and highlighted its richness in language and literary excellence.
Referring to the upcoming Centenary Celebration of Phek Village Baptist Church (1929–2029), Dr Hoshi prayed and expressed hope that all sins hindering blessings, particularly in education and opportunities, would be forgiven and that God’s abundant blessings would be realised.
He strongly advised students to move away from the mindset of seeking “backdoor appointments,” stating that such practices are no longer applicable, and instead encouraged them to work diligently and strive honestly. Challenging the students to go beyond mediocrity, he urged them not to settle for average achievements but to think broadly, aim higher and live with purpose.
The valedictory session was graced by Principal of Capital College of Higher Education, Kohima, Dr Zokho Venuh, who emphasised the importance of academic progress and encouraged students to work harder, remain focused and set clear goals. He further urged students to develop strong dedication to their studies, uphold honesty and truthfulness, and maintain discipline in their lives.
Chairman of Phek Village Council, Chivozo Soho, also exhorted the gathering during the cultural session. PSU president Dzuthoku Venuh delivered the presidential address.
Meanwhile, the PSU nomination committee announced the new office bearers of the Union for the 2026–2027 tenure. Sherakho Venuh was elected as president. The other office bearers include vice presidents Raleve Chizo and Veo Vero; general secretary Khrukhoto Keyho; assistant general secretary Rukutho Kenyho; finance secretary Shurhozo Soho; treasurer Anukulu Venuh; social and cultural secretary Thupuvo Vero; education and statistical secretaries Baveto Huire and Rakho Huire; publicity and information secretaries Vesuto Keyho and Tota Nienu; magazine secretary Kulutho Vero; games and sports secretary Neihu Venuh; assistant games and sports secretary Rhoto Rhakho; debate and symposium secretary Poluto Soho; media secretary Kusatso Venuh; property secretary Ruveto Hoshi; women coordinator Veluno Vero; assistant women coordinator Kuthopulu Venuh; assembly speaker Muleyi Vero; deputy speaker Thuputso Lohe; representatives to CSU Dzuthoku Venuh and Chizoto Vero.
Competition winners
In Quartet competition, Kepfutsa Khel emerged the 1st position while Ketouzou and Old town khel stood 2nd and 3rd position respectively.
In Duet, MC Khel, Kepfutsa Khel an Ketouzou bagged 1st, 2nd and 3rd position respectively.
Kepfutsa Khel bagged first position in Folk Dance while Old Town and Ketouzou khel bagged 2nd and third position respectively.
In Extempore speech competition, Nuzülü Keyho, Tsotolu Keyho and Kunubulu Chizo emerged the 1st, 2nd and 3rd position respectively.
Spelling Bee (Junior Category): 1st- Chekrovelu Keyho, 2nd- Gulu Chizo and 3rd- Kuzholuyi Vero.
Spelling Bee (Senior Category): 1st- Surhoveku Lohe, 2nd- Mhasheveyi Lohe and 3rd- Arozu Venuh.
Quiz Competition: 1st- Old Town, 2nd- Ketouzou Khel, 3rd- MC Khel
PSU Night featured guest artists which included Ludoveyi Vero (Ado), Zhozo Chizo and Nukuto Vadeo.
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