The second day of the 10th “Walu Aten” of the Khensa Students’ Union (Khensa Kaketshir Telongjem) was graced by MLA and Advisor for Labour & Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Moatoshi Longkumer, who underscored that discussions on “the way of life in the new era” must be grounded in the real world, where opportunities exist alongside challenges.
Addressing the Khensa students and youth, the legislator noted that Khensa has undergone a visible transformation, particularly among its youths, students, and citizens. Recalling the past, he pointed out that Khensa once held an unfavourable reputation for alcohol consumption, but today the change in mindset and discipline among the people reflects progress. He congratulated the Khensa citizens, youths, and students for this collective transformation.
Highlighting education as a defining strength, he said that Khensa has one of the highest numbers of academic PhD holders, calling it a clear reflection of determination and commitment among its students.
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Referring to the Ao community’s district as the “Land of Pioneers”, Longkumer said this identity was shaped through leadership in education and the early acceptance of Christianity and the Gospel. He added that Khensa youth today continue this pioneering legacy through academic achievements. At the same time, he cautioned that the road ahead is not easy, describing it as a long journey requiring patience, sustained effort, and the willingness to endure hardship and uncomfortable situations. Encouraging students to continue on rigorous academic paths, he urged them to remain determined and disciplined.
Speaking on broader changes, the MLA said that India stands at the centre of global transformation, being one of the youngest nations and among the fastest-growing economies. However, he stressed that progress is not measured by how fast the country grows, but by who builds that growth, stating that it is the present generation that will shape the road ahead.
He cited examples of individuals who created opportunities for themselves through persistence, including how Amazon began in a small garage and later transformed global commerce, and how young doctoral researchers built ideas that later became global infrastructure. These examples, he said, showed that success is built through sustained effort, not waiting for ideal conditions.
Referring to global shifts where traditional jobs are shrinking and new industries are emerging, Longkumer urged students to explore multiple paths, adapt to change, and remain focused on long-term goals rather than short-term comfort. He further encouraged the Khensa students to remain committed to education, determination, and ethical effort, stating that the future will be shaped by those who persist and take responsibility for building it.
Chairman I Alemmeren Longchar, in his address, emphasised the importance of identity, language, and sustained youth initiatives while addressing the student delegates gathered for the Walu Aten at Khensa village.
He highlighted the need to preserve and actively use the Khensa Mongsen language, stating that many villagers, particularly the younger generation, face difficulty speaking their own native language. He observed that incorrect grammar and the mixing of other languages and English have gradually replaced native expressions, leading to the loss of unique words and phrases specific to the village. Stressing that language is a core element of identity, he urged students and youths to consciously reform their speech and speak their mother tongue with confidence.
Referring to efforts made in this direction, Longchar informed that the second edition of Khensa Mongsen Yusa (Khensa Mongsen Language) has been published. He acknowledged the individuals involved in compiling and bringing out the publication, appreciating the efforts invested in preserving the original spoken language of the village. He expressed hope that future editions would cover more areas and encouraged every student to own a copy, read it diligently, and practise the language in daily life.
Addressing youth initiatives, he cited the annual Christmas Cake Race organised by the Students’ Union as a constructive activity. He shared that four youths from the village have qualified for the armed forces (Army), who testified that participation in the cake race helped them prepare for running and endurance requirements. He also mentioned that several youths have registered for the Nagaland Police constable recruitment scheduled from January 7 to 12, noting that the race has been beneficial in their physical preparation. He encouraged the Students’ Union to continue the initiative and not discontinue it.
Longchar further acknowledged the presence of student delegates from various units and informed that the village has over one thousand students. He urged students studying or residing in places such as Kohima, Dimapur, and other locations to remain connected to the village, return for village programmes, and actively speak their native language, stating that the loss of identity begins with the loss of language.
On academics, he observed that Khensa village has made notable progress, with individuals qualifying through UPSC and NPSC examinations and several officers serving in different capacities. However, he cautioned that without sustained competitiveness, the village may not see similar outcomes in the next 10 to 20 years. He encouraged both men and women to recognise and pursue their potential across fields, noting that many of the current qualified individuals are women. He concluded by stating that Walu Aten should serve as a platform for students to inspire one another and remain engaged with village issues.
The day also featured the Walu Aten Race, a 9.70-kilometre event conducted across nine locations in Khensa village and Yimyu Ward. The race included a series of activity-based tasks such as paragraph writing, solving scrabble crosswords, carving a traditional bamboo spoon, blowing ten balloons, and lastly preparing a salad, all of which participants had to complete at designated checkpoints while continuing the race. Three members from each of the seven units of the Khensa Students’ Union took part in the race.
The programme began with an invocation by Mayanger Walling, Pastor of Khensa Baptist Church, and was chaired by Imlikokba. Temsuakum, President of the Khensa Students’ Union, delivered the welcome address, while Awaben Walling presented “Walu Aten Nungyu Ken” (Walu Aten theme song). The formal programme concluded with a closing prayer by Rev. K. Temjen Longchar, following which sports activities, including archery, Futsal and badminton, were formally kicked off.
