NSUD basks in Golden jubilee celebration
Source: The Sangai Express / Ninglun Hanghal

New Delhi, October 18 2013 : Founded in 1963, the Naga Students' Union, Delhi celebrated its 50th year of existence today at Tyagaraj Stadium in New Delhi.

Pioneer of the Student Union and its First President between 1963-64, an 80 year old Dr Aryo Shishak graced the occasion as the chief guest.

Recalling his early years, Shishak who came to Delhi in 1959 and studied Medicine told the gathering that there were very few Nagas in Delhi at that time and this very few of them had a strong yearning to form a students' body.

And this feeling of isolation or rather a sense of loss in the city brought them together at 77 South Avenue and formed the NSUD which Shishak said was initiated to bring unity among the Nagas and mainly for helping and looking after the welfare of the students coming from home for higher studies.

Shishak, now a retired surgeon in New York and an American citizen, left India in 1969 .

NSUD basks in Golden jubilee celebration

"I am an American citizen for 35 years by choice," he told the gathering.

In Pennsylvania, where is lives, Shishak also initiated the Naga American Foundation in 1989 .

Taking examples and motivation from his adopted country, America, Shishak encouraged the students, youth and professionals to seek an alternative economy beyond dependency on Government jobs and greatly emphasised on entrepreneurship.

The golden jubilee celebration was marked by two days of Indigenous Delights of fun food and games during October 7 � 8 with traditional food, traditional games such as wrestling, basket binding, traditional cart race, and others.

The formal commemoration event today saw various Naga tribes with traditional attires showcasing tradition and culture, besides an occasion of the coming together of the past and present Naga student leaders.

A booklet 'History of NSUD' released today, recorded the journey of the Naga students' body.

Since its inception, 49 Naga student leaders have served as Presidents.

Since 1994 the NSUD reviewed its constitution whereby the various Naga tribes were allowed to form their own tribe student unions.

Subsequently thereafter the NSUD became an important body and key initiator of several other Delhi based Naga organisations such as Naga Christian Fellowship.

Moreover the NSUD could not do away with emerging socio political issues of the Nagas as well.

It took up issue of human rights violations and raise its voice against atrocities and suppression at various level and foras.

When the NSUD completed 25 years in 1989, it went through several years of constitutional crisis where in a new constitution was drafted in 1994.The history also mentioned that the NSUD have also went through a structural crisis during 1999 � 2003 as well.

Despite such a long journey of ups and downs the NSUD today have an odd 20 Naga tribe units under its ambit and on its 50th year the NSUD reasserts its unity and commitment for oneness.