The Ongpangkong Kaketshir Mungdang (OKM) on Saturday launched its ‘Vision Mission 2045’ with the vision “Shisashir Motsüngnem” at Ongpangkong Salang in the presence of the president of Ao Senden, Marsanen Imsong who graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour on October 25.
OKM has adopted this long-term welfare initiative titled Mission Vision–2045, which was officially ratified during the 39th OKM General Conference held at Kupza Village from January 17 to 19, 2024. The Mission Vision–2045 aims to promote and provide financial support to deserving students from all villages under the Ongpangkong Range and the welfare of students from Ongpangkong Range through a 20-year strategic plan beginning in 2025 untill 2045. The project is funded through contributions from all OKM members.
OKM will extend financial support of ₹50,000 each to two students from every Ongpangkong village. For the year 2025, the beneficiaries awarded are Moarenba Jamir from Ungma village, representing the Soyim Students’ Union, pursuing BA 1st Semester (Honours in Economics) at Kohima College, and Etidangla from Mangmetong village, representing the Mangmetong Students’ Union, pursuing B.A. 3rd Semester (Honours in Chemistry) at Fazl Ali College.
It was announced that the next round of awards would be presented in July 2026, during which two students from Khensa and Mekuli villages under Ongpangkong would receive the financial assistance.
Under the program, assistance would be extended to industrious but financially challenged students following proper verification of their needs which will be selected by the respective village student Unions. To sustain the scheme, every student aged 18 years and above will contribute the equivalent of one day’s wage annually, with 2024 marked as the preparatory year.
The OKM members have pledged to work in unity from 2025 onwards, seeking divine guidance to fulfill the objectives of the mission. The organisation expressed hope that students who benefit from the initiative will, in turn, contribute to the welfare and progress of society.
Marsanen, in his address, lauded the Ongpangkong Kaketshir Mungdang (OKM) for initiating such a noble and blessed venture. He expressed hope that through this initiative, meaningful fruits would be produced, adding that although the initiative was started by OKM, it is ultimately for the benefit of all Nagas. He also conveyed his gratitude to the citizens of Ongpangkong for their collective effort and vision.
Addressing the students, he urged them to reflect on their purpose in this world. “Each one of us has been given a purpose,” he said. “Those who understand their purpose and work diligently toward it will surely be blessed by God.” He reminded the gathering that those who received awards and recognition today did not achieve success by mere luck, but through hard work and perseverance.
Speaking on the day’s theme, “Shisashir Motsüngnem” (The Repository for Students), Marsanen described it as a blessing. He noted that in today’s context, when many speak of the “educated unemployed,” it often leads to discouragement among students. However, he emphasized that “the work we do should be useful.”
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He observed that while there are many employment opportunities available in the private sector, market demands. “Our education is just formal,” he said. “Neglecting technical and skill-based education prevents us from achieving our desired goals. Not everyone can pass competitive exams, so we must become skill-oriented. Otherwise, even with many degrees, our education will not serve its purpose.”
Highlighting the importance of self-reliance, he cautioned that depopulation could become a serious concern if sustainable opportunities are not created. He called for a clear roadmap for the Ao region, urging collaboration with the private sector through joint ventures which may help boost employment, economic growth, and sustainability.
Quoting Benjamin Franklin, he said, “An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.” He concluded with another well-known line: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Encouraging the students, he said, “Study with purpose, plan with vision, and let your knowledge become a tool to lead and guide others.”
In his brief exhortation, Lanutoshi Aier, President of Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM), highlighted the importance of introducing a mentorship program for the recipients along with the cash support, stating that mentorship in all walks of life would help fulfill the Mission Vision they aspire to achieve. He suggested that Mission Vision be registered as a society to enable access to CSR funding, which could further assist more meritorious and underprivileged students, adding that many big companies are willing to help if the necessary requirements such as registration, Form 12A (tax exemption), and 80G (tax benefits for donors) are in place.
Emphasizing self-reliance, he urged that Mission Vision 2025 should remain a student-sponsored program, encouraging a shift away from dependence on big shots or elected representatives and instead to continue contributing faithfully to support more deserving students.
He also stressed the need for proper documentation of the mission initiated by OKM so that it can serve as a model and inspiration for other student organizations, outlining that the modalities, funding, working system, and methods for monitoring the growth of recipients should all be well recorded.
Tongpangmangyang Kichu, President of Ongpangkong Kaketshir Mungdang (OKM), delivered the welcome address. Aso Imsong, Convenor of OKM Mission Vision-2045, presented the OKM Mission Vision-2045 Nükmen Ratet & Nükmen Saya and conducted the award presentation. Alemtoshi Imsong, President of Ongpangkong Mungdang (Ongpangkong Conference), also delivered a brief exhortation. Khensa Kaketshir Telongjem (Khensa Students’ Union) presented a special number, and Takotiba Jamir, Cultural Secretary of Ongpangkong Kaketshir Mungdang (OKM), delivered the vote of thanks.
