The three-day 10th Walu Aten of Khensa Kaketshir Telongjem (KKT) concluded on December 30 at Khensa local ground. Dr Arenla Walling, Additional Director, Health and Family Welfare, Nagaland, graced the morning session programme as the Guest of Honour.

Dr Arenla Walling stressed that the present era demands critical thinking and a continuous willingness to learn. She encouraged the students and youths to become lifelong learners and agents of positive change as society adapts to a new way of life.

Highlighting the growing influence of artificial intelligence, she said AI is becoming an integral part of everyday life, transforming learning, work, and communication. However, she reminded the gathering that while artificial intelligence should support human intelligence, it must not replace human values. She urged the students to equip themselves with AI knowledge while remaining responsible, innovative, and human-centred in their approach.

Addressing the Khensa students in particular, Dr Walling said the future belongs to those who are prepared not only academically, but also morally and spiritually. She cautioned that there may be times when one is pressured to compromise with the world, but advised the students to remain focused and to uphold tolerance, perseverance, faith, and courage.

She further reminded the students to maintain discipline even in moments of success and called upon them to carry forward the wisdom passed down by their elders, moving ahead with a strong sense of Khensa identity.

A panel discussion was later held and moderated by Dr Akumsenla Kichu, Guest Faculty, Centre for Distance and Online Education, Tezpur University, Napaam, Assam. The panel comprised Akumwapang Longchar, youth promoter from Alempang Baptist Arogo; Akangjungla, Director (News & Administration), The Morung Express; Dr Moakum, Assistant Professor, Kohima Science College and Er Atoba Longkumer, Co-founder of Tabernacle Technologies, who all shared insights on various areas related to the new era. The panelists underlined the need for responsible digital engagement, value-based living, educational commitment, and entrepreneurial thinking among the youth. The interactive session saw active participation from students with the panelists.

Earlier during the program, Longritemsu, Treasurer of KKT, pronounced the invocation, followed by a special number presented by Ketirenla Kichu.

The 10th Walu Aten, organized on the theme “Putusen Yayim” (The Way of Life in the New Age), concluded with the declaration of results for various competitive events.

In the Walu Aten Race, Yimtsüng unit emerged as champions, followed by Mokokchung unit in second place. The futsal title was clinched by Amenyong unit, while Mokokchung secured the runners-up position.

In tug of war (men), Dimapur unit claimed first place with Amenyong finishing second, while in the women’s category, Kongrokong unit emerged champions and Dimapur finished runners-up. In badminton men’s doubles, Dimapur secured the top position followed by Yimyu unit, while the mixed doubles title was won by Yimtsüng, with Dimapur finishing second.

In archery group events, Yimtsüng dominated both the boys’ and girls’ categories, with Kohima securing second place in both, while Dimapur and Amenyong finished third in the boys’ and girls’ categories respectively. In the archery individual boys’ category, Samanir of Dimapur won first place, followed by Alemtemsu of Amenyong and Akumnungchet of Yimtsüng, while in the girls’ individual category, Ketirenla Kichu of Yimtsüng secured the top position, with Sungjemyala of Yimyu and Tongpangkola of Dimapur finishing second and third respectively.

The new Khensa Students Union office bearers were announced, with Walunir Kichu (Tzüto) elected as president, Lipokakum Longchar (Kongrokong) as vice president, Alipokla Longchar (Tenem) as general secretary, and Lendila Longchar (Yimyu) as the assistant general secretary, while several resolutions were also adopted during the programme.

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In the Olong Ratet (word meaning) competition, Amenyong secured the first position (SL. 1), followed by Kongrokong in second position (SL. 6) and Yimyu in third position (SL. 3). Competitions held across various sports and cultural events, and the overall championship title was bagged by the Yimtsüng unit with six gold medals and one bronze. The Dimapur unit secured the second position with three gold, two silver and two bronze medals, followed by the Amenyong unit with two gold, three silver and one bronze.

The Kongrokong unit won one gold and one silver, while the Yimyu unit earned two silver and one bronze medals. The Mokokchung and Kohima units also participated, securing two silver medals each.

The concluding evening session of the 10th Walu Aten, saw Tongpangsenla, Associate Pastor (Youth), Khensa Baptist Arogo. This was followed by a special presentation by the Mekuli Students’ Union, while a brief exhortation was delivered by Lanutoshi Aier, President of the Ao Students’ Conference (AKM). One of the highlights of the session was the Olong Ratet (final round), which drew keen attention from the gathering. The programme also featured the screening of the Walu Aten Race video presented by the Media Team, which gave a visual recap of the event’s major moments. Vote of thanks was pronounced by Sunepwapang, Convenor of the Planning Committee, 10th Buba Walu Aten, after which the 10 Buba Walu Aten closing ceremony was presented by Yimyu Unit.

The evening further culminated with an extravaganza featuring performances by Khar Rosep, Sochan Kikon, frontman of the band ‘About us’ and various other artists.