Minister Kaito and others during the SLB Platinum Jubilee celebration in Zunheboto on December 13.
Zunheboto, December 13 (MExN): The Sümi Literature Board (SLB) celebrated its Platinum Jubilee (1947-2022) under the theme ‘Our Mother Tongue, Our Identity’ on December 13 at Multi Complex Hall, Zunheboto under the chairmanship of Vihoshe Muru, Chairman, SLB.
Nagaland Minister for Agriculture and Cooperation G Kaito Aye unveiled the SLB Platinum Jubilee Souvenir and four textbooks for undergraduates were also released on this historic jubilee occasion, a press release informed.
Ayemi encouraged Sümis to make ‘Sütsa’ a priority. Stating that the language is ‘our identity,’ he went on to state that importance should be given to ‘Sütsa’ if we are to preserve our culture. Sooner or later Nagas should have common language that is why Nagas should give importance to language and literature, he said.
On the occasion, H Khekuto Khulu, IAS Retd, and Chairperson of the Jubilee Planning Board, delivered the welcome address and informed that the SLB Jubilee committee has resolved to open a library at the Sümi Headquarter, Zunheboto to mark the jubilee. According to him, former minister Ihezhe Zhimomi has consented to donate books for the library.
Khulu also expressed concern that the Sütsa language has now become an endangered language and appealed to the Sümis to give importance to the Language and promote the only Sümi newspaper Sümi Küküpütsa.
The release further stated that jubilee theme speaker, Khehoni Zhimomi, Retd Addl Director for School Education, gave a thorough discussion on the topic ‘Our Mother Tongue, Our Identity.’ She said that preserving the mother tongue in the present context is very important in this fast-changing world. It is an integral part of our life, dreams, and vision. ‘Our forefathers have left a legacy to us, so we should also play our role to protect our language since language is our life,’ she said.
During the program HSLC and HSSLC MIL-Sütsa Subject Topper from 1997 till 2022 under Nagaland Board of School Education were felicitated. Kitoli Naje Co-convenor, Souvenir Committee gave away the certificates to subject toppers and SLB pioneers.
Sümi Dictionary was released by former SLB Chairperson Dr Hokishe Yeputhomi while Sümi Hoho President Nikheto Jimo exhorted the congregation.
Earlier, Executive Secretary, SBAK (Nito Mount) Rev Hukügha Jimo pronounced the invocation, introductory note was delivered by Dr H Hotokhu Chishi, Vice Chairperson, SLB, while Rev Mülato Chishi ES, SBAK Aizüto invoked the Jubilee Blessing.
Other highlights included special music and poetry recitals as well as presentation of reports.
The Jubilee Monolith was unveiled by the Minister and Rev Dr Khehovi Shohe, Director, SBC invoked the Monolith blessing.
