Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister, Y. Patton called upon the student community to come together and condemned tribalism and clanism which he said was destroying the fabric of the Naga society. “Tribalism and clanism have no place in the 21st century”, Patton said while speaking as the special guest, during the Golden Jubilee celebration of Dimapur Lotha Students Union (DLSU) at Dimapur Government College on Saturday the 15th October 2022.
Patton maintained that the clan system was used for the convenience of intermarriage by the forefathers and therefore should not be used for creating division. He cited examples of the existence of clanism starting from students’ body elections to higher levels.
He appealed to every section especially the Lotha community not to give space to anyone propagating clanism as it hampered growth and unity.
Patton also called for cultural preservation by giving importance to the usage of the mother tongue. He lamented that cultural traditions were fast losing significance in urban areas and appealed to the students to make it a point to use them at home for conservation. “Parents should also ensure that their children speak their mother tongue at home,” Patton said.
He recalled that the union was founded by a handful of students with late Renbo Lotha son of late Nyamo Lotha as its first President.
He called upon all to know the history and ensure that the vision and objectives of the founding leaders were upheld. Patton also released the jubilee souvenir at the programme and unveiled the jubilee monolith after it was dedicated by pastor Lotha Baptist Chruch Dimapur, Rev. Zanao Mozhüi.
Former principal, Eastern Theological College, Jorhat, Rev. Dr. Ezamo Murry, who spoke on the theme, “envision radiant posterity”, reminded the students of the proper usage and meaning of vernacular language.
Chairman Lotha Hoho Dimapur, Y. L. Jami, and Lotha Students’ Union Wokha, President, Ashanthung Humtsoe delivered jubilee greetings.
A dedicatory prayer for the students was offered by Rev. R. P. Murry and a minute silence was observed as a mark of respect to past leaders.
The programme began with an invocation by Principal Holy Cross Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, Rev. Fr. Philip Yanpvuthung, and welcome address convenor jubilee organizing committee, K. Mhachio Odyuo while the presidential address was delivered by DLSU president, Benthungo Jungio.
(Vihepu, IA Niuland)
