The 39th general conference of the Ongpangkong Kaketshir Mungdang (OKM) concluded on 19 January 2024 at Kupza village, Mokokchung. The conference, which focused on the theme ‘Liberated Education’, gathered 535 delegates from 18 units starting on 17 January 2024.
Imkongmar, Advisor for Minority Affairs & Sericulture, Government of Nagaland, served as the Special Guest during the closing ceremony. In his address, he urged Ongpangkong student communities not to let the knowledge gained from the conference go to waste. Emphasizing the importance of practical application, he encouraged them to use their education for positive changes and prioritize the usefulness of knowledge in real-life situations.
Highlighting the significance of responsibility, Imkongmar urged students to think critically and work towards the betterment of society. He emphasized unity, courage, understanding, and hard work, stressing the importance of dignity of labor and acquiring knowledge for personal growth.
Imkongmar, Advisor, Minority Affairs & Sericulture, Government of Nagaland
Resolutions of 39th Ongpangkong Students’ Conference
The conference resolved to adopt the “OKM Mission Vision 2045,” a 20-year initiative to support brilliant students from economically weaker sections of society. The initiative will begin in 2025. The year 2024 shall be the preparatory year for the initiative. To activate this initiative, every student from Ongpangkong who has attained the age of 18 shall contribute a one-day-wage sum towards the “seed money” for the stated initiative.
To preserve Ao identity and language, and in support Ao Senden and Ao Riju, it shall be the endeavour of OKM to work towards having the Ao language recognized under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. In this direction, the conference resolves to continue and further pursue the ongoing OKM Mother Language Preservation Program.
Outgoing OKM president Limatongzuk Jamir of Ungma (L) and newly elected president Tongpangmangyang of Chungtia (R)
New team of Ongpangkong Kaketshir Mungdang (2024-27)
The newly elected members of the Ongpangkong Students’ Conference were announced, with Tongpangmangyang (Chungtia) leading as President. Other positions included Vice President Chubawati M LKR (Longkhum), General Secretary Sungkumjang (Aliba), Asst. Gen. Secy Sensomeren Jamir (Kinunger), Finance Secy. Lanuwati (Khensa), Culture Secy. Maongnungsang Jamir (Settsu), Education Secy. Takotiba (Longmisa), Information Secy.Salonger Jamir (Mokokchung Village) while the Executive Chairman led by is led by Lanuakum Jamir (Kubza) while Imnawapang Lkr (Mokokchung Village), Sangtilong Kichu (Khensa), Nokshimetem Jamir (Longmisa), Moasunep Pongen (Longsa), Limasanen Lkr (Soyim), Imodangba Imchen (Mangmetong), Kilangzulu (Chuchuyimpang), and Akangtemsu (Longkhum) were among the members elected of the Executives of OKM.
The 40th edition of the Ongpangkong Kaketshir Mungdang (OKM) is scheduled to take place in Longsa Village, Mokokchung in 2027.
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Additionally, an Essay Competition for the “Limketer” magazine under the theme “Nüchiba Shisaluyimer” (Liberated Education) saw participation from 10 out of the 18 units. Sentiyala Jamir from Longmisa Students Union emerged as the Winner.
Earlier sessions of the conference featured Dr Lanurenla, Principal of Sao Chang Government College, Tuensang, as the theme speaker. She emphasized the shift from a system with limited options to the present generation facing an abundance of choices. Dr Lanurenla defined a liberated student as someone with critical thinking skills, independence, and self-introspection.
Dr Lanurenla, Principal of Sao Chang Government College, Tuensang (L) and Chubayanger, Deputy Labour Commissioner & CEO, NBOCWWB (R)
The fifth session included Chubayanger, Deputy Labour Commissioner & CEO, NBOCWWB, as the theme speaker. Greetings were delivered by various leaders, including Kajenkaba Aier, President of Asetkong Kaketshir Telongjem Mungdang, Alemsashi, President of Jangpetkong Kaketshir Telongjem Mungdang, Imlisunep, President of Tzürangkong Kaketshir Mungdang, Watinungsang, President of Japukong Kaketshir Mungdang, Imlinok, President of Langpangkong Kaketshir Mungdang and Akumchila President of Ongpangkong Women’s Organisation, delivered the thanksgiving address, while Kevisetuo Chase, District Horticulture Officer, Kohima, delivered the inspirational speech.
Speaker Sharingain encourages Ongpangkong students to chart vision for liberated education
