The Sitimi Area Sangtam Students’ Union (SASSU) on Thursday concluded its 26th biennial session under the theme ‘Education: A Catalyst for Social Change’ (Amüdhe Khu Lili Külüpchire) in Sitimi village.

The programme had begun on 3 January with Dr Y Atsase Thongtsar, Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, Department of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, as the special guest (Tungte Shirü).

Tsirise, vice president of Sitimi Area GB’s Union, was the cultural guest (Jümü Liliyah Shirü) at the occasion while the speakers (Tungte Yuchorü) were S J Levi Keor, Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Directorate of Higher Education, Kohima; C Tsalimse Sangtam, EAC, Meluri; and Likyuse Sangtam, General Secretary, Western Sangtam People’s Organisation.

Keor spoke in the first session on the topic ‘Understanding Cultural Heritage: Identity, Values and its Ramifications’.

C Tsalimse, in his speech, encouraged the students and elders of Sitimi Area to be mindful of what success means in life. “Success is not just getting government job,” he reminded, adding that there are plenty of avenues to earn a livelihood.

Furthermore, he said that society would grow and prosper only if everyone tried their best to become an “asset”.

Likyuse Sangtam (left), Edward P Sangtam (top right), Tsirise with other dignitaries (bottom right)

Likyuse Sangtam, a singer and songwriter, spoke on the topic ‘Chasing Dreams with Faith’. He said that to climb the steps of success, one must discover oneself, train hard, believe in oneself, overcome laziness, think big, and grow and transform with time like a butterfly.

Edward P Sangtam, the outgoing president of SASSU, thanked his team for their support in all circumstances and wished the newly elected SASSU team to continue forward in maintaining unity, peace and progress of Simiti area.

The programme that began with a glorious opening ceremony arranged by Shishimi Village Students’ Union ended on a melodious note from Natsami Village Students’ Union.