Linoka Yepthomi, representing Chümoukedima, was crowned Miss Sümi 2025 at a pageant held at the Town Hall, Zunheboto, on November 7. Akinali Kits, representing Kohima, was adjudged the first runner-up, while Linoka Achumi from Saptiqa was named the second runner-up. The event, organised by the Sumi Totimi Hoho (STH), saw eight contestants vie for the coveted crown.
Held under the theme “Sülimi Yegha”, the pageant celebrated the qualities of strength, grace, and purpose.
The special guest, Ani Yepthomi, Director of Livingston Foundation International School and College, Dimapur, emphasised the importance of pursuing excellence in all aspects of life while addressing the gathering.
She stated that the youth represent hope for their generation and that their worth is defined by character, not strength or beauty. “Strong women seek confidence. Pain and purpose walk together. God humbles those who exalt themselves; don’t let pride stand in your way,” Yepthomi said.
She encouraged the participants to have faith in themselves, even when others do not, and to use their potential to shape the world with “kindness, compassion, and love.” Yepthomi further advised the young women to prioritise their time, remain grateful to God, and never forget the friends and family who have supported them.
In her address, she also outlined the institution’s initiatives, highlighting its mission to provide holistic education through over 150 skill-based activities. She shared that the institution has established a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence and Drone Technology in collaboration with leading companies and has partnered with the Adani Group for airline-related training programmes. For academic courses, the college offers a B.Sc. programme for Class 12 Science stream graduates and GNM courses for those seeking opportunities in Germany and Japan, she added.
The director announced that 25 seats are allotted to STH in both school and college and offered a 100% concession to the top 15 students from any board (Class X & XII passed). The school’s academic session starts in April, with Cambridge curriculum from Prep to Grade VIII and CBSE from Grade IX to XII. For Grade XI, the available streams are Humanities (Arts), Science, and Commerce. The college session starts in July with Humanities and Commerce streams.
The judging panel included Chief Judge Mele Pucho, President, Northeast Beauty Pageant Organization and Beauty and Aesthetic Society of Nagaland; D. Ledia Awomi, President, Ethnic Group of Nagaland (EGoN) and LA Creation & Entertainment; Hikali Achumi, Miss Sümi 2022, Miss Nagaland 2022, and recipient of the Beauty & Glamour Creation Award 2025; Isatoli Aye, Assistant Professor, Zunheboto Government College; and Aghato K. Naga, actor, director, and producer, Founder & Director of King Chillies Entertainment, Dimapur, and founder of Nagaland’s first OTT platform, Nagaflix.
The event was hosted by Ikali Achumi and Tunavi G. Assumi. The invocation was delivered by Rev. Inakhu Sumi, Pastor of Zunheboto Town Sumi Baptist Church, followed by a welcome address from Vitoli Rochill, President of the Sumi Totimi Hoho. A presentation was given by Tavinto K. Sumi, Event Coordinator, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Linoto Yeptho, Organising Secretary of the Sumi Totimi Hoho.
