Shuhendra Singh Chouhan, an educator associated with the online platform Unacademy and resident of Madhya Pradesh, has tendered a public apology to the Sumi community following a controversial statement made during a November 2024 lecture on Unacademy’s YouTube channel.
During the lecture, Chouhan stated that “when a Sumi and a Miya marry, their children are referred to as the Sumimiya tribe.” The remark drew widespread criticism from the Sumi community for being factually incorrect and offensive.
In his apology, Chouhan said, “I now acknowledge that this statement was made without proper verification, authenticity, or factual basis, and it conveyed an incorrect and misleading narrative. I deeply regret that my statement has hurt the sentiments of the Sumi Naga community and has, in any manner, tarnished the dignity and image of the Sumi tribe.”
He further stated that the error was unacceptable, especially in his capacity as an educator. Chouhan highlighted that the Sumi Youth Organization, represented by its President Adv Hikavi H Kinimi, had filed a defamation case against him and the Unacademy platform (Complaint Case No. 1 of 2025) before the Court of the Judicial Magistrate First Class, Zunheboto.
Chouhan emphasized his respect for the Sumi community, saying, “I wish to state that I had no intention whatsoever to disrespect or misrepresent the Sumi Naga Tribe or any community. I hold the Sumi community in the highest regard and respect their rich culture, identity, and traditions. I hereby unconditionally withdraw my earlier statement and assure that I shall exercise utmost care and responsibility in all my future lectures and public communications.”
He also mentioned that he is an aspirant of the Civil Services Examination and has appeared in the UPSC Preliminary Examination, adding that any adverse legal findings could impact his career prospects.
“Considering my sincere apology and assurance regarding my future conduct, the Sumi Youth Organization has been gracious enough to accept my apology and has agreed to forgive me and take steps towards withdrawal of the case,” he added.
Chouhan also requested the withdrawal of the FIR registered at the Cyber Crime Police Station, Kohima, which arose from the same incident.
