The Youth Association Aongza Ward (YAAW) of Mokokchung Town celebrated its Silver Jubilee on October 1 at Aongza Ki under the theme “Rooted in Strength, Soaring to Greatness.” Minister for RD & SIRD, Metsubo Jamir, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Temjenmoa Jamir, Proprietor of Nagaland Minerals and Mines, attended as the Special Guest. The keynote address was delivered by Dr Tiasunep, Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology, Nagaland University.
In his address, Metsubo Jamir urged the youths to understand that “education is not an entitlement but empowerment.” He encouraged them to take responsibility for their own future, saying, “Do not depend on your parents even after obtaining degrees. If you can say ‘I am an educated youth,’ then throw away the entitlement mindset. Take your education as empowerment—have confidence and faith in yourself, start entrepreneurship, and stand on your own feet.”
Cautioning against the distractions of modern technology and social media, Jamir reminded the gathering that the world today is advancing rapidly. “Even for us elders and parents, it is difficult to cope with these changes. To the youth, I say—let technology not devour you. Learn good things from it, make it useful, and do not let it mislead you into ideologies or divisions,” he said. Expressing concern, he added, “It saddens us to see many youths spending more time on their mobile phones rather than using technology to work hard and be productive.”
Calling for unity, Jamir stressed that “Blessings are there where there is unity. Even the Church will prosper through it. Youth unison helps ignore negative impacts and strengthens the well-being of the ward.”
Reflecting on the history of the ward, he reminded the audience that Aongza, once known as Mission
Compound, has always been a ward of blessings. “We do not originate wisdom or knowledge on our own; it is God who gives us wisdom. The blessings of our villages have brought us thus far,” he said.
On politics, he observed that Aongza Ward has little political involvement by the youth, which he considered a blessing. “Those who are involved are often self-interested. For an organisation like this, to remain non-political and sustain for 25 years is itself a blessing, because only a non-political organization will work for the well-being of society and not for self-interest,” he stated.
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Jamir further acknowledged the contributions of the Aongza Ward Council in promoting the welfare of the ward, and reminded the youth that the organisation is no longer young. “Whatever responsibilities you will be taking up, do it with unity and wisdom. Where there is unity, there is blessing,” he affirmed.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Tiasunep, Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology,
Nagaland University, said that the greatest strength of Aongza Ward is its culture of “Free exchange of ideas.”
He explained that one remarkable quality of Aongza, often observed by outsiders, is that “no individual or self-interest dominates, but the collective wisdom and knowledge of all people are valued. The best idea is taken forward for the ward, and that is one good thing about Aongza Ward.”
Dr. Tiasunep emphasized that this blessing of culture has not been seriously reflected upon by the community. He urged, “Let us take it to heart, think thoroughly, and make conscious efforts to preserve this culture.” He noted that while individuals may believe their own ideas to be best, true creativity and innovation are produced when ideas are shared and refined collectively.
Pointing to today’s world, which he termed the “Brain Economy,” he said the ward must continue to harness its heritage by bringing together diverse ideas and perspectives from each individual, because contributions should come from all. Since each person’s perspective differs, it adds value to the collective process. He reminded that the progress seen today is not just the achievement of not only the present generation but the result of earlier generations who upheld and preserved this culture.
He added that innovation becomes meaningful only when ideas are grounded in reality, and different perspectives help shape and strengthen them. “Let’s also be ready for our ideas to be wrong, because not always can we be right. When somebody criticizes our ideas, instead of feeling offended, we should see it as an opportunity to learn a truth,” he said.
Talisunep Ozukum, President of YAAW, in his welcome address highlighted that YAAW was founded in
2000 under the theme “Aspire to Inspire” by visionary youths. Marking 25 years, he emphasized that the
Silver Jubilee is not only a celebration of youth but also of the constant support from ward leaders, the council, and citizens whose unity, wisdom, and contributions have brought the association this far.
In his Jubilee Greetings, R Longritemjen Ao, Chairman of Aongza Ward Council, acknowledged the leaders who had envisioned the importance of YAAW for the youths and citizens of Aongza Ward and founded it. He thanked all past youth leaders for taking YAAW this far and congratulated the present leaders for carrying it forward.
He described YAAW as a “living society” for the past 25 years and reminded the members that “tomorrow we have hope in you, YAAW.” He called for reintrospection into the past, reflection on the present, and planning for the future. The Jubilee, he said, is not just a celebration but a turning point to relook into YAAW’s aims and visions.
Encouraging the youth, he urged them to strengthen YAAW as a bigger house where the Council can place its trust and seek support. He advised degree holders preparing for government jobs, those without degrees but physically and mentally fit, and even those yet to plan their careers to give their time and strength for human resource development and skill upgradation, assuring them that hard work will eventually pay off.
In his reminiscence, Toshimeren, the first President of YAAW, shared how a few of them, along with
youths and elder leaders, began meeting with the vision of forming a youth association for the ward. It was during the tenure of Sashiwati as Ward Chairman that the Youth Association was formally founded.
He recalled that to function effectively, there had to be laws and regulations, and with the help of constitutional experts and legal minds, rules were framed. Looking back, he said many of the early leaders are no longer present today, and the transition has taken time. He reminisced about how the youths once carried responsibility for the society when there were no telephones, going door-to-door to pass information. Describing Aongza as a prestigious ward, he recalled the past glories of the CYE competitions in the 1980s and 1990s, urging that such achievements should not fade but be retained, while also acknowledging YAAW for its present efforts.
He further spoke of the troubled times during the Naga freedom struggle, when people could not step outside their homes, and many youths were captured without any notice or proof, leaving psychological effects of those times with some elders even today.
Concluding, he encouraged YAAW to look ahead with new zeal and vision, aiming towards the 2050 Golden Jubilee with more enthusiasm, unity, and commitment to strengthen the ward and society.
The Jubilee adopted a set of resolutions, which were read out by Dr I Wati Imchen, Convenor of the Jubilee Resolution Committee. The first resolution stated that, to foster the all-round development of the youth and to strengthen the Youth Association Aongza Ward (YAAW), the Association shall regularly organize activities in the fields of games and sports, as well as music and art. For effective implementation, a committee shall be constituted under YAAW.
The second resolution highlighted the issue of unemployment among youth, resolving that YAAW will organize periodic entrepreneurial workshops aimed at equipping participants with practical skills and opportunities for self-reliance.
The program was chaired by Lanuakum Jamir. Mesutoba, Deacon of MTBA, pronounced the invocation.
The souvenir was released by the Special Guest, Temjemoa Jamir. Bendang Jamir, Pastor of MTBA, offered a prayer of blessing for the Aongza Youth. Imtikumla Imchen presented a special item, while
“Temaleni Tudi” was presented by the Aongza Youth Fellowship, MTBA Youth Ministry. Dr. Aoyimsen
Jamir, Convenor of the Planning-cum-Fundraising Committee, delivered the vote of thanks, and the
benediction was pronounced by Tiaienla Ozukum, Youth Mentor, MTBA.
