The Gorkha Students’ Union, Kohima (GSUK) celebrated its Platinum Jubilee today at the GPPK Multi Utility Hall in Chandmari, commemorating 75 years of service and community under the theme “Bridging Generations – Aspiring Futures.”
Presiding as the special guest, Nagaland’s Power and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, KG Kenye assured the Gorkha community of the state government’s commitment to establishing a permanent and just policy framework. This framework aims to address long-standing concerns regarding status and opportunities while upholding the rights of indigenous Nagas.
Minister Kenye acknowledged the Gorkha community’s deep historical ties to Kohima and Nagaland. He recognized that recent debates on indigeneity have caused anxiety but affirmed the government’s intent to address the matter in a mature and balanced manner. He explained that while global conceptions of indigeneity are tied to ancestral territory and cannot be altered by policy alone, communities like the Gorkhas—who have lived alongside Nagas for generations and contributed significantly to the state—deserve institutional safeguards and recognition.
The Minister indicated that categorizing such communities under appropriate classifications, including the Other Backward Classes (OBC), has been explored, though the process was temporarily slowed by broader policy reviews. He expressed confidence in a permanent and structured resolution.
Kenye also elaborated on the shared values between Nagas and Gorkhas, praising virtues such as honesty, discipline, loyalty, and courage, which he noted are increasingly rare in modern society. He urged students to uphold these values, focus on their education, live simply, and prepare to become responsible leaders.
The guest of honour, Kohima Town MLA, Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhutso strongly advocated for national-level recognition of Gorkhas as OBCs. He argued this would ensure access to Central Government opportunities without disturbing Nagaland’s reservation framework for Scheduled Tribes. Such recognition, he stated, would enable Gorkha youth to compete in central services and examinations.
Dr Rhutso noted he had raised Gorkha-related issues in the recent Nagaland Legislative Assembly session, emphasizing his role as a representative of all communities in his constituency. While acknowledging that the term “indigenous” might be restricted to Nagas, he proposed that the government could formally recognize Gorkhas as permanent residents—a status that should come with concrete support mechanisms.
He appealed to the state cabinet to recommend the Gorkha community’s inclusion in the OBC category at the All India level, assuring that this would not impact tribal reservations in Nagaland.
In his address, Nagaland Gorkha Association President, Nobin Pradhan, described GSUK’s 75-year journey as a landmark achievement rooted in the resilience and unity of the Kohima Gorkha community. Tracing the union’s origins to 1950, shortly after the Battle of Kohima, he highlighted that the organization has remained active for seven and a half decades, reflecting its strength.
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Pradhan expressed gratitude for the enduring support and acceptance from the Naga people, particularly the Angami community, noting an absence of hostility even during the state’s most turbulent times. On indigeneity, he said the community respects the term’s reservation for Nagas but hopes for justice for Gorkhas who settled in Nagaland prior to statehood. He reported positive recent interactions with the Naga Students’ Federation and Inner Line Permit authorities.
Emphasizing that Kohima is home for the Gorkhas, Pradhan stated the community seeks not special privileges, but continued love, acceptance, and fair treatment.
The Platinum Jubilee celebration gathered community leaders, students, and government representatives, reaffirming a shared history, mutual respect, and hopes for an inclusive future where Gorkha aspirations are addressed within a just and stable policy framework.
The programme was chaired by GSUK Vice-President, Jenny Lamechane Chhetri. It commenced with the Deep Prajwalan (lamp lighting), followed by the GSUK Theme Song performed by the Jubilee Choir. GSUK President Meghraj Lama delivered the welcome address, highlighting the organization’s journey and contributions over 75 years.
A key highlight was the release of the Platinum Jubilee Souvenir by Minister Kenye and MLA Dr. Rhutso. Greetings were extended by Santu Thapa (President, GPPK), P John Thakuri (President, All Nagaland Gorkha Students Union), and Khriesaneikuo Kire (President, Kohima Village Students Union).
The event was further enriched by vibrant cultural dance performances and special musical numbers. It concluded with a vote of thanks from GSUK Games & Sports Secretary Karan Chetri, followed by a Jubilee Feast for all attendees, marking a memorable end to the historic celebration.
