Members of All Sümi Students’ Union (SKK) interact with NU Vice Chancellor Prof Jagadish K Patnaik at Nagaland University, Lumami Campus, on September 21. (Photo Courtesy: SKK)
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | September 22
As part of its ongoing Educational Tour-cum-Health Centre Tour, the All Sümi Students’ Union (SKK) visited Nagaland University (NU), Lumami, on September 21 and raised various issues concerning the interests and aspirations of Naga students during its meeting with Vice Chancellor Professor Jagadish K Patnaik.
During the interaction, SKK emphasised the need for greater employment opportunities and fair consideration for qualified Naga youths at the University.
It further called for the introduction of more relevant and diverse academic programmes at NU, Lumami, to broaden educational opportunities for students within the State.
Concerns over opportunities for Nagas in research scholar admissions and academic research were also highlighted, with the Union seeking greater consideration for them in these areas.
The SKK further flagged the inclusion of religious practices and observances in official university programmes, citing the playing of Vande Mataram and religious observances during occasions such as International Yoga Day.
While stating that it respects all faiths and traditions, it stressed the importance of constitutional values, institutional neutrality, inclusivity and mutual respect within the University.
The Union also highlighted the need for greater transparency, accountability and mutual coexistence between teaching and non-teaching staff.
As part of its institutional engagement, the SKK team also paid a courtesy call to the NU Registrar and visited Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), Lumami, and the Health and Wellness Centre, Lumami.
More visits and interactions
Earlier, on September 18, the second day of its tour, the SKK team visited the Primary Health Centre (PHC), Atoizu; Government High School, Akuhaito; Health & Wellness Centre, Akuhaito; and Health & Wellness Centre, Lotisa Village.
As per the Union, the objective is to understand the ground realities of educational and healthcare institutions, identify challenges, and listen to the needs and concerns of students, teachers and healthcare workers.
The next day, the team reached Mokokchung and held an interaction with Sümi community organisations for an exchange of views and discussion on community-related concerns.
The team also visited Government High School Sümi, Mokokchung, an institution established in 1958.
The visit highlighted the longstanding educational presence and journey of the Sümi community in Mokokchung, a district predominantly inhabited by the Ao community, the SKK noted.
It further stressed that the tour is aimed not merely at inspection but at connecting with people, understanding their concerns and working towards meaningful solutions.
