The Pughoboto Sub-Divisional Planning and Development Board (SDPDB) hosted its annual Pre-Christmas celebration during the December meeting at Ighanumi, the ancestral village of the Sumis on 6th December 2024.

Dr. Sukhato A Sema, MLA and Chairman of SDPDB, graced the event and shared the Christmas message. He emphasized the significance of Christmas as a reminder of the gift of salvation and a time to deepen personal relationships with Christ. Congratulating Ighanumi Village on its inclusion in the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PM-JUGA) scheme, Dr. Sema encouraged the community to utilize the scheme’s 25 targeted interventions designed to uplift tribal communities.

Delivering the Christmas message, Pastor Khatio Swu of A.G. Church, Ighanumi, emphasized the spirit of the season, highlighting love, service, forgiveness, and a transformative life in Christ.

District Forest Officer (DFO) Obed Bohovi lauded Ighanumi village for its active role in conservation efforts. He noted that the village is a project site under Batch 2 of the Nagaland Forest Management Project, funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). He also announced the nearing completion of the Ighanumi Community Reserve for Sambar Deer.

The program provided a platform for public discourse as well. Head GB and Chairman of Ighanumi expressed gratitude for hosting the SDPDB program while voicing concerns over the deteriorating road conditions in the area. Qhutovi Tenna, President of the Sumi Aphuyemi Kukami Hoho, called for active community involvement to ensure effective governance and regional welfare.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Tiameren Chang delivered the vote of thanks, applauding the Ighanumi community’s dedication to hosting the celebration and their conservation efforts.

The event featured various highlights, including an invocation prayer by Pastor Xukuto Achumi of NCRC Ighanumi, a special Christmas song by Shelika Swu of Sumi Aphuyemi Kiphimi Kuqhakulu (SAKK), and a Christmas carol session led by Functional Manager Hekato K. Jimo. The program concluded with a benediction by Women Pastor Tokali Swu of Baptist Church Ighanumi. The celebration was chaired by SDAO Kitoho Michael Swu.