The two-day 75th Platinum Jubilee celebration of the Wokha Village Students’ Union (WVSU), held under the theme “Resilience,” concluded today, December 28, at the Wokha Village Playground.
The event was graced by Y. Mhonbemo Humtsoe, NCS (Retd.), MLA and Chairman (DPDB) Wokha, as the Chief Guest, Dr. Chumben Murry, Advisor to the Chief Minister and former Minister of the Government of Nagaland, as the Guest of Honour, while Dr. Libemo Kithan, Associate Professor at Mount Tiyi College, Wokha, as the theme speaker.
The Jubilee celebration began with a grand opening ceremony that included the unveiling of the Jubilee Monolith by Y. Mhonbemo Humtsoe, the dedication of the monolith by Rev. O. Thungben Kikon, Pastor Wokha Village Baptist Church. The chief guest also hoisted the WVSU flag, marking the formal commencement of the celebrations.
In his address, Chief Guest Y. Mhonbemo Humtsoe reflected on the 75 years of the Wokha Village Students’ Union with a mix of emotions, from laughter and joy to confusion, challenges, and excitement. He extended his Jubilee greetings to the gathering, calling it a blessing to witness this milestone. Humtsoe emphasised that a Jubilee is not merely a celebration of an individual’s achievements but a time to praise God for the love and blessings bestowed upon the community.
He recalled the early days when schools lacked proper infrastructure, when teachers outnumbered the students, and when parents prioritised farming over education. Despite these challenges, he attributed the success of the Union to its resilience, as it persevered through hardships and emerged stronger.
He urged the students to reflect on their own journeys in a time when many conveniences are provided. He called for determination and a sense of purpose in pursuing one’s goals, despite the comforts of modern life.
Dr. Chumben Murry, the Guest of Honour, chose to refer to the occasion as an “anniversary” rather than a “Jubilee,” noting that “Jubilee” is traditionally used for church-related celebrations. He acknowledged that 75 years is a long period and described the theme of “Resilience” as highly fitting for the Union’s journey. Reflecting on the many ups and downs of the past 75 years, he commended the Union’s resilience in navigating these challenges.
He expressed gratitude to the elders of the village for their continued guidance and support to the Union. He urged the students and members to reflect on their current selves and their aspirations for the future. “How can we refine ourselves?” he asked, stressing the importance of self-improvement.
Touching upon the unresolved Naga political issue, he expressed optimism that a resolution would be found soon, bringing hope for a peaceful future. He also acknowledged that today’s generation faces a harsher, more competitive environment and urged students not to focus solely on acquiring degrees, but also on developing the necessary skills to succeed and achieve their goals.
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Dr. Libemo Kithan, the theme speaker, elaborated on the concept of “Resilience,” describing it as the ability to face challenges head-on and bounce back despite adversity. He noted that difficulties are inevitable, and resilience is about maintaining the strength to overcome them.
He reflected on the formation of the Union, recalling a time when not everyone was in favour of establishing the organisation. He stressed the importance of behaviour refinement and maintaining wellness in the face of challenges, urging the students to continuously improve themselves and to remain steadfast in their commitment to the Union’s ideals.
In his Presidential address, Chijamo E. Tungoe, President, Wokha Village Students’ Union, highlighted the Union’s journey from its humble beginnings in 1949 when 30 students first formed the Union, to the present day with its 36th president. He expressed appreciation for the leaders who had shaped the Union over the decades and for the significant impact it has had on the village and its people.
Tungoe praised the dedication, hard work, and integrity of past leaders and members, stating that their contributions could not be fully captured in words. He urged the current generation to seek guidance from God before anything else and to always keep faith above all. He reminded the students never to forget their roots, their mother tongue, and their community, stressing that these foundational aspects of life should be preserved. He called this the Jubilee challenge: to honour and preserve the values, culture, and environment that have shaped the Union and its people.
The event was Chaired by Mharhomo V. Erui & P. Liyani Murry, an invocation by Nongothung Kikon, Associate Pastor Wokha Village Baptist Church, and a welcome song by the Church choir. A welcome address was delivered by Chibenthung P. Kikon, Convenor, Platinum Jubilee Planning Committee, while an obituary was observed in remembrance of past members.
Exhortation was given by N. Wobenthung Lotha, Joint Director (Retd.) Department of School Education, Nagaland, and member of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee. The Platinum Jubilee Presentation was made, and greetings were extended by Vandan Erui, Chairman Wokha Village Council, and Heiko Kent, Secretary Finance Naga Students’ Federation.
A cultural presentation by the Liosangsi Cultural Troupe from Wokha Village followed, along with a special musical performance by Zareni Kithan. A special prayer for students was offered by Rev. Dr. Ezamo Murry, with a vote of thanks by Nzanthung Kikon, General Secretary WVSU, and a benediction by Dr. O. James Kithan, Associate Pastor Wokha Village Baptist Church.
The Valedictory Session was held in the evening, with Mhomo Murry, District Fishery Officer in Tuensang and Department Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, Government of Nagaland, as the Valedictory Guest.
The Comperes for the evening session were Lironthung S. Humtsoe & Nzani B. Tungoe, followed by Invocation from Chibenthung Humtsoe Associate Pastor, WVBC, a welcome address by Shankhamo Tungoe, Member Platinum Jubilee Planning Committee, and a vote of thanks by Thungben T. Humtsoe, Former General Secretary WVSU.
The celebrations concluded with a Jubilee Musical Nite.
