The 22nd Ao Senden General Conference was held today at the Town Hall in Mokokchung.
The newly elected office bearers for the tenure 2024-2027 are as follows:
President – Marsanen Imsong (Merangkong), Langpangkong Range
Vice President – Aowati Ozükum (Sungratsü), Asetkong Range
General Secretary – Imtipokyim Adv (Longkhum), Ongpongkong Range
Assistant General Secretary – Bendangnükshi (Nokpu), Japukong Range
Finance Secretary – Yanger Pongen (Mongchen), Jangpetkong Range
Treasurer – Lanupokyim (Longpayimsen), Tsurangkong Range
Rev. M. Rongsen, President of Ao Riju (Ao Academy), invoked God’s blessings upon the new team.
(PC: Sashimeren Jamir)
Main speaker of the Conference, Alemtemshi Jamir, IAS (Retd), former Chief Secretary of the Government of Nagaland, stated that people from Ao community are straightforward, creative, progressive, liberal, democratic, legal minded and more. However, he posed the question “Where are we going today?”
Highlighting the importance of understanding a new world order, Jamir said, “We are living in a technology-driven world” and asked whether our society is ready to live alongside it. He commented that the state is shrinking, and the government is becoming smaller, and everything is private sector dominated and said that dwelling solely on the customs and traditions of our forefathers in this era will impede our progress amidst rapid globalization.
Alemtemshi Jamir, IAS (Retd), former Chief Secretary, Government of Nagaland (PC: Sashimeren Jamir)
Further, he emphasized on the importance of “reforms and restructuring”, asserting that “Reform entails a complete change in heart, mind, soul, beliefs, and actions. Restructuring involves building anew or providing a new framework.” He stated that it is essential for the Ao community to grasp the significance of these concepts.
He expressed regret over our lack of focus on reforming the agricultural sector and establishing forward market linkages when the economy relies entirely on agriculture and the land. Additionally, he stressed the importance of industrialization, asserting that reforming and restructuring are imperative.
Jamir emphasized the need to distribute land ownership, stating that without it, development would be unattainable.
Furthermore, the former Chief Secretary also highlighted the critical need for skilled workers for industries and trained hospitality professionals for tourism to flourish.
Former Ao Senden President Chubawati Lonchar (PC: Sashimeren Jamir)
Outgoing President Chubawati Longchar, in his farewell address, extended gratitude to the Ao community for their support over his two terms spanning six years. He highlighted the unique opportunity to serve during the pandemic and encouraged continued diligence in the Ao census. Longchar emphasized the importance of the “Ao Riju” (Ao Academy) for preserving the Ao language and literature, stressing the need for constructive community contributions.
President, Ao Senden, Marsanen Imsong (PC: Sashimeren Jamir)
Incoming President Marsanen Imsong, in his inaugural speech, thanked the Ao community for entrusting him with leadership. He pledged to lead with integrity and called for the community’s support through knowledge and prayers. Reflecting on Ao Senden’s 45 years of resilience and growth, Imsong envisioned its Jubilee in 2030. He also recognized the outgoing president and his team’s dedication over the past six years, expressing appreciation for their service to the Ao Community.
