MLA Mhathung Yanthan and MLA Achumbemo Kikon address the gathering at the 53rd General Conference of the Lotha Students’ Union at Old Changsu Village on January 23. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Wokha | January 23
The 53rd General Conference of the Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) held its cultural session at Old Changsu Village on January 23, with MLA and Advisor for Agriculture Mhathung Yanthan gracing the occasion as the special guest while Achumbemo Kikon, MLA and Chairman, Bhandari SDPDB, graced the event as the special guest.
Addressing the cultural session, Yanthan expressed concern over the gradual erosion of cultural values among the younger generation while stressing the need to preserve language, traditional attire, customs, folk songs and dances passed down by forefathers, describing them as the foundation of identity.
At the same time, Yanthan highlighted the impact of technological advancement, climate change and changing lifestyles on sectors such as agriculture and health. He encouraged students to make responsible and constructive use of modern tools, including artificial intelligence, smart classrooms, online platforms and distance learning.
On career choices, Yanthan observed that many students focus primarily on securing government employment. While recognising the importance of such aspirations, he urged students to explore opportunities beyond government jobs by being creative and innovative, acquiring skills and utilising various skill development and training programmes.
Describing youth as the torchbearers of tomorrow, Yanthan emphasised that leadership demands discipline, seriousness and a clear sense of purpose. He concluded by calling upon all to collectively pledge to uphold and preserve cultural values and traditions as a commitment towards safeguarding identity and ensuring collective progress.
Addressing the valedictory session, Achumbemo Kikon said the conference should conclude with meaning and leave a lasting impact on individuals as well as society, stating, “Intellectual gatherings should not end empty-handed and empty-headed, but should equip participants with wisdom, experiences and insights beyond classroom learning.”
Referring to historical milestones such as the formation of the Naga Club in 1918 and the establishment of the Naga National Council in 1946 at Wokha, Kikon pointed out that Lotha leaders were already “transcending beyond borders” long before the phrase became a theme. He described the theme as a call to revive the visionary thinking of past leaders and urged students not to confine their outlook to village, range or tribal boundaries.
Expressing concern over divisions within Naga society, Kikon cautioned that a divided society cannot stand and stressed the urgent need for unity and reconciliation. He called upon educated youths to take responsibility for fostering harmony, particularly through the responsible use of social media. Criticising the spread of negativity and hate online, he urged students to become carriers of positive and constructive messages.
Highlighting the demands of a competitive modern world, Kikon said academic degrees alone are no longer sufficient and encouraged students to cultivate serious reading and continuous learning, cautioning against over-reliance on superficial information that could result in a “half-educated society”.
Concluding his address, Kikon reiterated the need for young people to think beyond individual, village and tribal interests for the greater good of Naga society, stating that the strength and survival of each community ultimately depend on unity as one Naga family.
In the debate competition, Lolano Lotha (RASU) secured first place, followed by Yanrowo Y Ezung (WRSU) in 2nd place, while Erenthung Ezung (KLSU) and Sorenbeni T Odyuo (DLSU) jointly secured third place.
In the war cry competition, James Ennie claimed first position, followed by Renchithung Kithan in second place, while Mhademo Ovung and Chanbemo Ngullie jointly secured third place.
In the folk dance competition, DLSU emerged champions, followed by LLRSU in second place and LMRSU in third place. In the folk song competition, ERSU bagged first position, with NRSU and WCSU securing second and third places respectively.
In the tug-of-war (women) category, DLSU claimed first place, followed by ERSU in second place. In the tug-of-war (men) category, ERSU emerged winners, with WCSU finishing as runners-up.
