The 69th edition of the Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM) General Conference 2023 held under the theme ‘Mapakum Shisaluyim (Education in Praxis)’ commenced in Akhoya village, Mokokchung district on 18 January.
The AKM General Conference will be held on 18–20 January.
Tongpang Ozukum, minister of Housing & Mechanical, Govt of Nagaland was the inaugural guest while Imnatiba, advisor of Industries & Commerce, Labour and Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Govt of Nagaland was the special invitee.
In his speech, Tongpang Ozukum emphasised on three important agendas to the AKM as a six-year plan which would coincide with the jubilee to be held in Waromung village.
Stating that the Ao milen, the first newspaper in Nagaland, is not just a newspaper but a torch bearer for the Aos to the world, the minister challenged the AKM to work towards bringing in more subscribers for the Ao Milen in the next six years and urged the AKM to make good resolutions towards it.
Minister Tongpang Ozukum.
Secondly, he stated the need to build a firm foundation for Mokokchung Law College which, he said, was started with a good vision by the forebears.
Thirdly, the minister stated that while the Ao Senden Literature Board began in 1949, it was only after about 44 years later that the Ao language was offered as an honours subject in colleges.
He called upon the gathering to ponder upon the current state of Ao literature and emphasised on the need to set up an Ao Academy and to also set a target to offer post graduate and PhD degrees in Ao Literature.
Ozukum further advised the AKM to adopt a federal system which he said will benefit the upcoming working members and the people in general.
Advisor Imnatiba, speaking as the special invitee, appreciated Akhoya village for organising the event and applauded their capabilities despite being a small village which, he said, is a lesson to all the Ao villages and others.
Imnatiba spoke on the topic ‘Comparative analysis and reflection’ by touching on democratic principles and realization of the identity.
The economy of the Nagas is such that approximately 90–95% of the Nagas are dependent on government funds and the ability to sustain oneself is lacking, he said.
Advisor Imnatiba.
The advisor challenged the students on what lies ahead in the future and called upon them to read up on nation building of all the nations in the world and to talk about solutions only when one is ready to bring changes.
Asserting that students are the future nation builders, Imnatiba encouraged the gathering to focus on character building and leadership qualities so that they can come together and build society, and make the vision adapt with the current scenario with better understanding.
During the programme, the information secretary of AKM, Onenpong Tzüdir, informed that altogether 1,357 student delegates from all the six ranges and 18 sub units are attending the conference.
The number of delegates from the six ranges are:
Ongpangkong Kakwtshir Mungdang – 321
Langpangkong Kaketshir Mungdang – 269
Asetkong Kaketshir Telongjem Mungdang – 256
Jangpetkong Kaketshir Telongjem Mungdang – 193
Japukong Kaketshir Telongjem – 297
Tsürangkong Kaketshir Mungdang – 132
In addition, delegates from the following sub units are also attending the conference: Mokokchung Law College, Fazl Ali College, Jubilee Memorial College, Tuli College, Mokokchung College of Teachers Education, People’s College, Ao Kaketshir Telongjem of Kohima, Dimapur, Chümoukidema, Guwahati, Jalukie, Delhi, Tuli, Shillong, Mangoklemba, Chuchu Town, Tsütikong and Changtongya Town Ao Students Unit.
The inaugural programme began with a grand opening ceremony by the Akhoya Shisaluyimer Telongjem. Songs were presented by Sunep A Jamir of Tune up Channel and the Conference Choir.
Sunep A Jamir (top) and the Conference Choir (bottom).
R Sunep Pongen, president of Central Nagaland Students’ Association, delivered the greetings. The Akhoya Village Council gave the welcome note while Rev T Lanu, pastor of Akhoya Baptist Church, led a time of worship.
