Sumi legal dictionary released at Lazami

Dimapur, Oct. 14 (EMN): Chairman of Sumi literature board (SLB), Dr. Hokishe Yepthomi has released a "Sumi legal dictionary" authored by the late K Ghulakha P Swu at Lazami village in Zunheboto district on October 13.

The Sumi legal dictionary was released posthumously on the occasion of Ghulakha P Swu memorial ‘Qheho’ dedication in the presence of the president of Sumi Aphuyemi Kukami Hoho, Aphuyemi kukamis, head GB and GBs, Lazami residents, Lazami students and family members of the Ghulakha Swu.

Speaking on the occasion, Yepthomi mentioned the past leaders from the Sumi community. He stated that during the formation of Kohima town, Khupu Khuwa was head dobashi and brought a good name to the Sumi community. He added that Khakhu Dighali was also a head dobashi.

Yepthomi also stated that Rev. Shihoto Swunetho was not only a leader among the Sumi tribe but also of the Nagas. It was during Billy Graham evangelical ministry crusade, he was among those who pledged to send out 10,000 missionaries.

Even in politics, Yepthomi stated that Lazami village has produced a good number of politicians. Yepthomi related an event where he met Joshua Swunetho, former NLA deputy speaker. He also mentioned Rev. Kiyeto Sema, who is well versed with the Bible and active in God’s service.

Yepthomi has described Ghulakha Swu as a writer, who was inducted to Sumi literature board (SLB) to represent Aphuyemi till his last breath. He said Ghulakha Swu has a heart of reading and also good in writing.

He also stated that writing a book is not easy as it takes a lot of effort. He added that Ghulakha Swu was gifted with the skill of writing books and invested a lot of his time and hard work in writing and eventually authored the Sumi legal dictionary.

Yepthomi called upon the Sumis to have the habit of reading. He said that the Sumi legal dictionary is an important and useful book where the readers could find the legal words used during the forefathers' time. He also described the Sumi community to be blessed as they have one common language. He called upon the Sumi to love and value their language.

Earlier in the programme, Rev. Akhato Achumi, pastor of Lazami Baptist Church dedicated "Qheho" and prayed for the family members. The programme was chaired by Xutoshe Phucho, while the invocation was said by Fr. Inashe Paul Achumi, and the welcome address was delivered by Kitoho G Swu, son of Ghulakha. Ghoshili Swu, wife of K Ghulakha P Swu, spoke on the Sumi legal dictionary.

Among others who spoke on the occasion included SAKH president Qhutovi Tenna, Head GB of Lazami Saluvi L Futhena, GB of Pukholimi Akhalu Swu, GB of Khuluqa Vihoshe Futhena, former SLB member Hukavi Yepthomi, Sumi Hoho executive member, Rev Kiyeto Sema and Hotovi Zhimomi.

The benediction was pronounced by Kivishe Kive, pastor NCRC Khuluqa.