The Asetkong Kaketshir Telongjem Mungdang (AKTM) (Asetkong Students Union) commenced its 43rd General Conference in Mopungchuket village, Mokokchung on 10 January.
The three-day General Conference will be held from 10–12 January under the theme ‘Sobaliba Nükmen Lokmedem’.
The inaugural session was graced by Er R Labosang Jamir, Superintendent Engineer, Department of Power, Government of Nagaland as the chief guest and Rev Dr Mar Pongen, Executive Secretary, ABAM, as the theme speaker.
Er Jamir stated that the Asetkong people is blessed with prominent politicians, government servants so far. Asking the people present to reflect about the past achievements, he commented that there are less pioneers emerging from the range today and urged everyone to introspect and be humble unto God.
Speaking in line with the theme ‘Sobaliba Nükmen Lokmedem’, Jamir said the main place (nükmen) of our forefathers originated from Chungliyimti. Drawing from it, he stressed on “work culture” and said our forefathers have tirelessly worked hard own their own to make the way for us today. He asked the students to ponder upon it saying that the work culture of today’s youths is not at par with the work of the forefathers. “Today’s generation lacks the zeal force like the forefathers’ work culture”, he said.
Er R Labosang Jamir, Superintendent Engineer, Department of Power.
Jamir went on to say that the Asetkong is well known for its good education. He further pointed out on how the generations have disparity in working skills and on the habit of dependency, and questioned whether it’s taught by the education.
Taking the example from the non-locals, he said they have good generational work culture and added that we are in no comparison with them.
He urged the gathering to build a culture where everybody belongs and progresses towards innovating a more inclusive workforce, competing against the odds.
Jamir said the greatest threat for today’s generation is “eroding work culture and absence of dignity of labour” and stated its symptoms as corruption, nepotism, extortion, no accountability and transparency which he said needs to be taken seriously. He stated the famous phrase, “God helps those who helps themselves”, and brought the example of different work cultures of the progressive countries in the world. He further challenged the youths to practice good work culture by working at least eight hours of six days.
“There are ample opportunities only if one takes the risk and come out from the comfort zone [one] will be able to sustain oneself, economic power will improve, control politics and be in the power to elect the befitting candidate to frame the required policy for economic development and prosperity,” Jamir said.
Be it an individual or a student body, one partially needs to study but judiciously in matters of politics and governance. Voicing out for the people is required, he said.
Theme speaker Rev Dr Mar Pongen, speaking in line with the theme ‘Sobaliba Nükmen Lokmedem’ said the talk of the culture today is understood in a very narrow way. He stated that the belief and culture is understood distinctively to which he said culture is spiritual and it includes nationality, ethnicity, religion, social behaviour, generation and so on.
Rev Dr Mar Pongen, Executive Secretary, ABAM.
He encouraged the students to draw inspiration from culture, have better understanding of culture, avoid differences and promote good culture through the Bible as God has given importance. He urged the youths to lead a meaningful life, be humble before God and to do away with bad culture.
The program was enthralled by the vibrant opening presentation from MALT.
Alem Aier, pastor of Chami Baptist Church, read from the Bible and pronounced the invocation. Lanuyanger, information secretary of AKTM and Arentemsu, chairman of Mopungchuket Village Council delivered the introduction and welcome address respectively.
Arenchila Walling presented a special number while Supongasang Jamir delivered the benediction.
