Advisor H Tovihoto Ayemi urges youth empowerment and unity among Nagas at Sumi Officers Union Dimapur meeting.
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SOUD general meeting-cum-Baghi Hoho
DIMAPUR — The Sumi Officers’ Union Dimapur (SOUD) convened its general meeting-cum-Baghi Hoho on February 14 at Lhomithi Hall, Western Sümi Hoho Ki, Chekiye village, with H Tovihoto Ayemi, advisor of Tribal Affairs and Election, as the special guest.
In his address, the special guest remarked on Naga society's fast-changing, competitive trends, the SOUD stated in a press release.
Ayemi urged the SOUD to rescue unemployed youth through strategic roadmaps, nurture private-sector talent, and drive society via seminars, training, and initiatives.
Emphasising agriculture for sustainable livelihoods, he called on officers to lead, tap resources, unite for advancement, and build ties with other Naga communities.
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“If the Sumi community prospers, the Naga community prospers,” he stated.
Ayemi further emphasised inter-community alliances among Nagas for collective prosperity, declaring, “The prosperity of the Sumi community augurs the prosperity of the Naga polity.”
The proceedings opened with an invocation by Israel G Xuivi, followed by the general secretary's report from Kitoho Michael Swu and the finance secretary's report from Sukhai Zhimomi.
Convenor of the resolution committee, Karen Yepthomi, presented key resolutions, which the house unanimously adopted.
The resolutions included continuing sponsorship of the meritorious scholarship programme initiated by Western Sümi Totimi Hoho for 10 aspirants at the upcoming coaching centre session, assistance to the Sumi Literature Board (SLB) for publishing 60 books for the four-year undergraduate course, endorsing the drafting of a constitution for the Sumi Officers’ Union Nagaland, and strengthening federating units in Zunheboto, Kohima, and Dimapur for the Sumi community's benefit.
In the Baghi Hoho session, SOUD president Y Ruth Muru delivered the welcome and presidential address. She reminded attendees that every destiny is divinely designed, emphasising officers' accountability to society due to their influential positions.
Urging integrity to lead the Sumi community and contribute to Naga society, she noted her privilege in serving as president since February 2024, a responsibility she cherishes as a woman. Muru thanked her executives for their support and called on members to uphold SOUD's legacy.
She highlighted the need to curb extravagant lifestyles at public functions, contrasting them with the generosity and rich traditions of Sumi forefathers. In today's context, she advocated limiting excessive expenditures to purposeful, impactful events. Further, she expressed gratitude to Tovihoto Ayemi for his wisdom.
Vikato Shikhu, general secretary of Western Sumi Hoho, extended greetings, honouring the SOUD as a frontal organisation and key stakeholder. He urged Western Sumi to act as ambassadors of peace and unity among Naga communities, uniting responsibly for progress.
Hokali V Chishi, president of Western Sumi Totimi Hoho (WSTH), shared greetings, noting that the first batch of scholarship aspirants had commenced coaching with SOUD's support. She sought continued backing for the second batch and thanked SOUD for mentorship.
Vihoshe Mürü, chairman of the Sümi Literature Board (SLB), described SOUD as vital stakeholders at a crossroads for the Sumi community. He stressed deliberating pressing issues through organised platforms and initiatives.
Mürü updated that SLB books for degree-level Sutsa are ready for publication, with modern compositions aligning with current needs. He urged SOUD's ongoing support to introduce Sutsa at the degree level.
Newly elected SOUD president L Atopu Sumi, expressed gratitude to the search committee and called for collective support, advice, and guidance to advance the union and community.
The new 2026-27 executive tenure will be led by president L Atopu Sumi and general secretary Dr. Ithika C Swu, alongside other office bearers.