Unacademy educator apologises over remark on Sumi community

DIMAPUR — An educator associated with the online platform Unacademy has issued an unconditional apology to the Sumi community over a controversial statement made during a lecture, following which the Sumi Youth Organisation (SYO) has agreed to withdraw its case against him.

According to a press release, Shubhendra Singh Chouhan, a resident of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, made the statement during a lecture on Unacademy’s YouTube channel in November 2024, where he claimed that children born out of marriages between a Sumi and a “Miya” are referred to as a “Sumia tribe”.

The remark drew objections from the Sumi community, and the SYO, represented by its president Hikavi H Kinimi, subsequently filed a defamation case against Chouhan and the Unacademy platform in a district court in Zunheboto. A First Information Report was also registered at the Cyber Crime Police Station, Kohima.

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In his statement, Chouhan acknowledged that the claim was made “without proper verification, authenticity, or factual basis” and conveyed an “incorrect and misleading narrative”. He admitted that the remark had hurt the sentiments of the Sumi Naga community and affected its dignity.

He further stated that such an error was unacceptable in his role as an educator and maintained that he had no intention to misrepresent or disrespect the community. He added that he has withdrawn the statement and would exercise greater care in future public communications.

Chouhan said that he had approached the SYO seeking forgiveness and, following his apology and assurance regarding future conduct, the organisation had agreed to forgive him and initiate steps to withdraw the case.

He also requested that the FIR registered in connection with the matter be withdrawn, stating that any adverse legal outcome could affect his future as a civil services aspirant.