“We as officers are even more blessed because we have the opportunity to bring change and to inspire future generations of our society. Let us not let go of this opportunity. Let us share our views, extend our horizons, work together and support one another—for the future of our youth and especially for the future of our children,” said Asangba Chuba Ao, IAS, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India.
He was addressing the first-ever meeting of the Ao Officers’ Telungjem (AOT) held at Town Hall,
Mokokchung on September 13, under the theme “Kü Lima, Kü Khu” (My Land, My Duty). The meeting was jointly organised by Kohima Ao Officers’ Telungjem (KAOT), Mokokchung Ao Officers’ Telungjem (MAOT) and Dimapur Zone Ao Officers’ Telungjem (DAOT).
Asangba describing the meeting as a historic and momentous occasion acknowledged the encouragement of the Ao Senden in bringing together officers from across the globe and also acknowledged the Ao officers; for making it happen. He informed that more than 100 Ao officers are currently serving outside Nagaland. Among them are over 20 who cleared the Union Public Service
Commission (UPSC) examinations, more than 40 in major public sector undertakings such as the Oil and
Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and the Geological Survey of India (GSI), about 15 in the defence forces—Army, Air Force and Navy—and 25 across central services including CRPF, administration, medical and taxation departments.
He said this information emerged when a WhatsApp group of Ao officers outside Nagaland was formed ahead of the programme and noted that more officers are continuing to join the group. He also conveyed the messages received from officers from outside who could not attend the meeting, suggesting if future activities of the union may also be conducted through virtual means.
Raising a fundamental question before the gathering, he asked, “How serious is this programme? What has brought us here to Mokokchung, the land of our forefathers, in the year 2025?”
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
Pointing to the present age of transformation, Asangba said, “Change is not just happening—it is accelerating. The way we communicate, learn, work and think is evolving rapidly. The message is clear: to adapt or be left behind.” He underlined that the challenge lies not only in technology but in mindset
“our willingness to learn, to unlearn and to relearn, and to embrace change instead of fearing it.”
Citing recent developments in Nepal, he observed that leaders who failed to adapt to the aspirations of the people and the younger generation collapsed within hours, demonstrating the consequences of ignoring changing times.
Drawing from his experiences of travel, he remarked on the pace of development across the world and within India: the education system in Singapore, transport infrastructure in China, tourism in Vietnam, Kerala’s health systems, Tamil Nadu’s manufacturing ecosystem, Gujarat’s rapid infrastructure growth, and neighbouring states like Arunachal Pradesh, which already has four operational airports and plans for two more.
“Then I see our state Nagaland. Honestly, I feel we are lagging behind in many areas. And this feeling that we are lagging behind is followed by something stronger—that feeling is about home, about
Mokokchung,” he said.
Stating that the Ao people are “no less capable, no less gifted, and no less intelligent,” he pointed to the number of officers serving across India and beyond as proof of their potential. “What we need is vision, determination, and most importantly clarity on why we are here today,” he stressed.
He concluded by reminding the gathering of their responsibility as officers: “We are blessed people—blessed through our forefathers’ glory, our unique culture and unlimited opportunities. Within the Aos, we as officers are even more blessed because we have the opportunity to bring change and to inspire future generations. Keeping this vision, I believe and hope that may our union, Ao Officers’
Telungjem (AOT), be strengthened and achieve success.”
