SDSA celebrates deferred Golden Jubilee
Source: Chronicle News Service

Senapati, February 09 2022: Senapati District Students' Association (SDSA), the apex students' body of Senapati district, celebrated its golden jubilee on attaining 50 years of its establishment under the theme 'Prospering together' on Wednesday.

Celebration committee convener Ch Loli Sheshuna stated that Senapati occupies a very important place in the history of Naga as Senapati always played a vital role in Naga movement.

Senapati also occupies a geo strategic location in the context of India's Look/Act East Policy.

The students' body was formed in the year 1970 with James Lokho Kolakhe and Benjamin Banee as its first president and general secretary respectively.

With its formation in February 9,1970 under the nomenclature 'Manipur North District Naga Students' Association', the students' body completed 50 years in 2020 but golden jubilee celebration has been delayed due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier, SDSA president Pung Mark led one-minute of silent prayer as a tribute to the departed leaders.

In his address, Pung Mark stated that SDSA shifted attention to welfare of the student community with the passing of time.

He also lauded sacrifices of federating units including Mao Students' Union (MSU), Maram Students' Union (MKS), Poumai Naga Students' Union (PNTM), Thangal Students' Union (TAJ) and Zeliangrong Students' Union, Senapati Zone, Reminiscing the past, the first general secretary and second president of SDSA Benjamin Banee stated that James Lokho was the man behind the formation of the district students' body.

He initiated and explained the need for such a formation and accordingly formed the full-fledged body of the district.

During the early stage of its formation, SDSA passed 14 resolutions which became its manifesto although they may not be relevant comparing to the present age.

The need for such formation was felt to let voice of the people be heard.

Manipur North District Naga Students' Association was chosen as the name of the district student body as Senapati was earlier known as Manipur North district while Ukhrul was called as Manipur East district, Tamenglong as Manipur West district and Churachandpur as Manipur South district in those days.

All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) president Thiirtung Wanglar, All Tribal Students' Union, Manipur (ATSUM) president Paotinthang Lupheng and Naga Peoples Organisation (NPO) president Solomon Arow shared greetings during the programme.

United Naga Council (UNC) president S Kho John lauded SDSA and stated that it has come this far due to sacrifices of its pioneers who had contributed in different capacities.

He also said that a responsible students' organisation always has a very important role to play in the society as well as in supporting political issues, Kho John also urged the student community to follow the footprints of their forefathers and pioneers.

Federating units of the district apex student body including MSU, ZSU (Senapati Zone), PNTM, TAJ and MKS presented musical ensemble, cultural items, folk tune, choreography and cultural fusion respectively during the event.

Comment