The Watsu Telen Kohima (WTK) held it general meeting at Molu Ki Kohima on June 28 under the theme ‘TekumkumTetsur’.
Principal, State College of Teacher Education, Kohima, Dr. Elizabeth Walling, who was the guest speaker while speaking on the theme defined ‘TekumkumTetsur’ as a woman who is able to accomplish assigned work before others, without being lazy or depending or relying on others for help but take bold steps to achieve success.
Illustrating on the qualities of a ‘TekumkumTetsur’, Dr. Walling indicated that such women are outstanding and skilful in their work, have confidence to take up challenges, have very high esteem, appreciate their skills, have strong personalities and are broad minded, wide scoped that they can rope in new projects, have positive attitudes, and can take criticisms.
Stating that they are good decision makers, maintain boundaries, have good relationships, are independent, and know their needs, canutilize time according, and can voice out towards injustice, she also pointed out the ill effects of a low esteem mind-set that leads one to failure, mental sickness, depression, self-pity etc, and therefore called upon the Watsu Telen to have positive mind-set as each individual is blessed with a work skill.
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She emphasized on the importance of a community specialty tread, she said it can be achieved if each individual work skill is put together collectively for a community tread, so that it is recognised as a trademark of a community specialty by maintenance and preserving it,
While highlighting the threats prevailing in today’s scenario, such as suicidal cases, conflicts between spouses leading to homicide, LBGTQIA, families in debt, community problems etc, she said women can soothe these threats if only they change their ways of approaches towards their spouses and children at home by checking on children’s behaviours and socialising them, having family time, sharing thoughts etc. She remarked that if a woman can possess these qualities she can truly be called a ‘TekumkumTetsur’.
President, Kohima Aor Telongjem, T Chubayanger, who also spoke on occasion, expressed his happiness with the setting up of Watsu Telen Kohima office at Molu Ki that showed unity between Kohima Aor Telongjem and Watsu Telen Kohima.
While acknowledging the Unit, he pointed out that for a Union to move forward, it takes a lot of time and requested them not to be haste in their decisions making but be patient, and focus on the goal and see if the steps they take are pushing them forward.
Atula Wai, Member, Advisory Board, WTK while dwelling on the subject ‘Ku Maitsu’ (My Identity) said everyone is born special and we need not compare ourselves with others but rather accept as we are so as to build self-developmentand achieving our goals.
She shared that our forefathers’honest, hardworking, truthful, respectful nature pass down should be followed for the next generations too and also opined that with the advancement of technology, many people especially children today depend on Artificial Intelligence for answers instead of asking parents and elders, which she reasoned that the fault lies in the parents therefore she dwelled that we need to ponder on these issue seriously so our culture which is our identity can be preserved.
She also spoke about the importance of tattooing of women in the Ao community that has deep significant of identity in the past which today can be seen by the patterns and colour woven in her shawls or traditional wrap-around skirt.
During the programme, outgoing President WTK, S Nukshirenla shared a brief background history of Watsu Telen Kohima and the activities it partook for upliftment of society, their stand against social discrimination and support for women upliftment. She also shared her journey about her tenure as a President of WTK and expressed her appreciation towards the unit and its members.
Brief details on Permanent Source of Income Committee reports and Trust Fund reports were also read out to its members.
The programme was chaired by WTK office bearers, while vote of thanks was proposed by Ayula Longchar, the outgoing Vice President of WTK. A prayer for the departed WTK members was also invoked and a Special song was presented by Waromungtsur Telongjem Kohima.
The new incoming Watsu Telen Kohima Office Bearers for the year 2025 – 2028 were declared as follows, Bendangsangla as President, Alemla Mary as Vice President, Dr. Akangnungla as General Secretary, C Narola Jamir as Assistant General Secretary, Tenlamongla as Finance Secretary and Chubasenla as Assistant Finance Secretary.
