MLA and Advisor for Transport & Technical Education, Temjenmemba on Thursday said that rapid advancements in technology, artificial intelligence and industry would significantly reshape society.
Speaking as the special guest at the Ao Language Spelling Bee competition held on the second session of Day 2 programme of the 70th AKM General Conference at Chungtia Village, Mokokchung, the Advisor cautioned that several academic disciplines currently taught in colleges and institutions could become obsolete within a few years. He underscored the need for the Ao community to prepare strategically for an uncertain and rapidly changing future while remaining rooted in its cultural identity.
He further noted that even natural resources such as minerals and petroleum, often regarded as long-term assets, could eventually turn into liabilities. In this context, he urged the community to begin preparing today for both anticipated and unforeseen changes.
While highlighting the richness of Ao culture, traditions, and language as the community’s foundational identity, Temjenmemba maintained that these elements cannot be discarded. However, he opined that certain adjustments in cultural, traditional, and linguistic practices may be necessary to ensure relevance in a rapidly evolving global environment.
He also observed a compartmentalized approach to thinking within the Ao society and stressed the importance of linking grassroots initiatives with progressive outlooks. Preparation for the future, he said, must move beyond individualism, clannism, and tribalism, and focus on collective responsibility. Acknowledging current challenges, he pointed to a lack of trusted leadership roles and called for humility, introspection, and rebuilding from the grassroots level.
At the same time, he recognized the strengths of the Ao people, noting their analytical thinking, adaptability, creativity, sociability, liberal outlook, and problem-solving abilities rooted in their cultural and traditional background.
Concluding his address, Temjenmemba emphasized the need for planned social engineering to bridge emerging gaps and navigate an unpredictable future.
Earlier, the programme sequence of the Ao Language Spelling Bee included the welcome address by Lanulemba Longchar, Education Secretary, AKM, followed by an invocation prayer by Rev L Meren Kichu, Pastor, Sabangya Baptist Arogo. Soyim Shisaluyimer Telungjem (Soyim Students Union) presented a special song.
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The event also featured the AKM Educational Promotional Trust Award presentation. The AKM Educational Promotional Trust Award was presented to Tatongmongla Longkumer, Gold Medalist, Department of Economics (Under Graduate), Nagaland University. She is the daughter of Late Aotemsü and Late Núkenkemla and hails from Mopungchuket village.
The award was also conferred to Yashilemla, born on September 12, 2002, daughter of Sobutemsu and Lanurenla, from Merangkong village. She completed her BA (Honours) in Political Science from St. John College, Dimapur, securing a CGPA of 6.98 in the BA 2024 (Arts) examination.
A total of 18 participants from six ranges: Ongpangkong Kaketshir Mungdang (OKM), Langpangpkong Kaketshir Mungdang (LKM), Asetkong Kaketshir Telongjem Mungdang (AKTM), Jangpetkong Kaketshir Telongjem Mungdang (JKTM), Japukong Kaketshir Mungdang (JKM), and Tzürangkong Kaketshir Mungdang (TKM)took part in the Ao Language Spelling Bee competition.
The first position was jointly secured by Imnarenla, Chubakokla Jamitsür, and Sashimongla from Langpangpkong range. The second position went to Yupangtemjen Walling, Putisenla Walling, and Itanger Ozukum from Asetkong Kaketshir Telongjem Mungdang (AKTM), while the third position was claimed by Katienla Ao, Tiaso Longchar, and Lanujungla from Ongpangkong Kaketshir Mungdang (OKM).
