16 women receive Dr. Toshevi Sümi Totimi MBBS Award

DIMAPUR — As many as 16 women were felicitated at the 8th annual Dr. Toshevi Sümi Totimi MBBS Award ceremony held on Thursday at Putuonuo Hospital, Kohima, for securing MBBS seat through the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) 2025.

The recipients of the award were: Pulokali Aye, Toli Kivi Awomi, Vini K Zhimo, Pithe Swu, Heli H Zhimo, Aka Zhimo, Aliti Zhimo, Olivia K Ayemi, Nini K Yepthomi, Cecily A Jakha, Nitho Swu, H Lino Kinni, Sulika B Rotokha, Vini A Aye, Nivi K Yepthomi, and Inakali T Sema.

The award comprises of a certificate and cash prize of INR 2, 00,000, informed an update from Dr. Keduovinuo, Trustee of Dr. K & T Keditsu Foundation.

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Dr. Toshevi Sümi Totimi MBBS Award is initiated by Dr. Toshevi Keditsu Sema, the first lady doctor from the Sümi tribe who completed her MBBS in 1977 from Guwahati Medical College. It is officiated annually by Dr. K&T Keditsu Foundation in collaboration with Sümi Totimi Hoho, Nagaland, and awarded to Sümi women who qualify to study graduate medical course (MBBS) though the NEET.

A total of 70 Sumi women have received the award so far, since it was started in 2018, informed the update.

During the award ceremony, President Kohima Sumi Hoho, Shiwoto Wotsa spoke on behalf of Sümi Hoho Kohima and Sümi Totimi Hoho Kohima, while Dr I Simon Sumi, father an awardee (2019) spoke on behalf of the parents. Awardees Dr Kumsutoli Assumi (2019) and H Lino Kinni (2025) also shared their personal experiences and words of encouragement.

Musical quartet Truism performed at the event attended by more than 90 people.