An installation programme for Guru Marlepden under the Guru Shishya Parampara Scheme, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, was held on July 16 at his residence in Arkong Ward, Mokokchung Town, with I Temjen Tzüdir, Publication Head of Ao Riju Mokokchung, as the Guest of Honour.
Temjen Tzüdir, the Publication Head of Ao Riju Mokokchung, congratulated Guru Marlepden for achieving great recognition through his hard work and dedication. He noted that, to his knowledge, the Ao community currently has six Gurus. “The first Guru, who is no longer with us, set a great example, and starting from him, we have achieved this esteemed recognition. The Ao community should regard this as “precious,” said Tzüdur highlighting its importance.
He explained to the gathering that “Guru” is not an Ao word but a Sanskrit term meaning “mentor, guide, expert, or master” of a certain knowledge or field. He stressed the importance of the qualities a Guru or Teacher should possess and how these qualities guide us.
Tzüdir described a “Guru” as someone whose lifestyle and good qualities provide valuable lessons and guide their students in the right direction. He acknowledged that all the Gurus conferred until today make the Ao community proud and expressed hope that they will uplift Ao cultural heritage in language, literature, folk songs, folklore, and more, leading the people forward truthfully and rightly.
“A Guru has strength in truth,” said Tzüdir and expressed hope that all Gurus will work for the people by sharing wisdom and knowledge and guiding them.
He also mentioned that, while we still use the term “Guru” today, we do not have an exact equivalent in our own language; we typically use the term “Teacher,” but he felt this alone does not suffice. He emphasized the importance of a Guru’s behavior and the respect they should receive, noting the significance of each profession in uplifting the community, society, and the world, and the need for understanding and balance.
Tzüdir pointed out that achieving the title of “Guru” is not limited to literature, culture, and traditions but can be attained in many ways and encouraged to understand this broader perspective.
He urged Guru Marlepden to unite all the Gurus of the Ao community once again to reflect on how to advance together in teaching cultural folk songs, literature, folklore, language, and more, suggesting the establishment of an academy that would be highly beneficial.
Guru Marlepden, in his introductory address, shared the journey behind acquiring the name “Guru.” He revealed that, in his youth, he lacked a deep understanding of his cultural heritage and wandered from village to village for work. Hailing from “Soyim Lima” (Ungma Village) and residing in Arkong Ward, Mokokchung Town, he and a few others had gathered years back to discuss the potential loss of their rich cultural heritage. They realized that without efforts to preserve it, valuable traditions, knowledge, and historical insights integral to their identity and community history would be lost.
He recounted that a ward consists of people from diverse backgrounds, clans, and villages, and in 1991, during the Moatsü festival, they formed a group called “Medemzünga,” meaning a combination of all kinds of people interested in preserving cultural traditions. After forming the group, they began researching cultural heritage and met the late Dr. Satemmeren Longkümer, who acknowledged their initiatives. They also met Guru Awardee Sangyusang Pongen, the current senior-most Guru. Through meetings and discussions, they learned a great deal about stories, songs, and their meanings. He didn’t just focus on songs but also began writing books. Guru Marlepden mentioned I.T. Jamir, whose expertise in writing and interpretation was invaluable.
Today, they have the AO Riju, where I Temjen Tzüdir represents the beginning and the end of Ao literature. He expressed a wish for the long lives of these mentors so they can continue to share their knowledge and wisdom to uplift the AO community and preserve their cultural heritage.
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Guru Marlepden explained that he inquired about the process of becoming a “Guru” and was informed that it involved submitting a form and undergoing an interview, which he did last September. Upon successful completion, he was notified of being conferred the title of “Guru.” He emphasized the importance of sharing his knowledge with the diverse people in his ward to help them understand the significance of their cultural heritage and reach a broader audience.
He attributed his achievement to the support of family members and people from all walks of life. He expressed contentment in being able to impart his knowledge, wisdom, talent, and skills to the youth of the Ao community, offering help to those interested. Highlighting the concern that six to seven languages have become extinct in India, and research suggests a similar threat in Northeast India, he expressed a strong wish that the AO language not be part of this extinction. He encouraged everyone to prioritize their language.
Guru Marlepden invoked Mother Teresa’s words: “Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the action that we do,” emphasizing, “Let’s not lose our identity.”
Toshimeren, Chairman of Arkong Ward in his short speech congratulated Guru Marlepden and wished him success in his future endeavors. He highlighted that Marlepden earned the title of ‘Guru’ through hard work and dedication, making his achievement both wonderful and historic.
Toshimeren emphasized the importance of preserving the Ao language, stating that the loss of language can lead to the loss of a nation’s identity. He raised concerns about the current state of the Ao mother tongue, noting that many children are unable to speak it fluently. He stressed that it is not solely the responsibility of mothers but of everyone in the community to ensure the language is passed down. He urged families to prioritize teaching the mother tongue at home, warning that missing the critical period for language learning can make it difficult to regain later.
Imolangba Bead, Dobashi at the D.C Office Mokokchung, also addressed the gathering, congratulating and appreciating Guru Marlepden for his contributions and the honor he brought to the community. He acknowledged Marlepden’s hard work and dedication, encouraging him to continue striving for excellence. Imolangba highlighted that this recognition is a testament to Marlepden’s brainpower, knowledge, and wisdom, and urged him to continue his good work for the benefit of the Ao community.
The unveiling and inauguration of the Guru Shishya Parampara Kendra was conducted by the Guest of Honour, I Temjen Tzüdir while Guru Sangyusang Pongener, a Sangeet Natak Academy Awardee presented different tunes of Ao folk songs.
