In a world where the pace of change often outpaces tradition, the Aoli Longchar clan gathered to reconnect with the roots that bind them. Held under the theme “Longchar Ayak Asüngsashi” (Restrengthening Longchar Identity) at Khensa Community Hall, the two-day commemoration of 75 years of Aoli Longchar Mungdang began on 7 November and will conclude on 8 November. The event carried a clear sense of purpose: to renew the values, stories, and identity of the Aoli Longchar clan—values that have endured for centuries but now face the pressures of a changing world.
The convention drew members of the Longchar clan from over twenty villages, including Yisemyong, Mangmetong, Longkhum, Chungtia, Moayimti, Molungkimong, Aonokpuyimsen, Changki, Waromung, Satsükba, Yimjenkimong, Süngratsü, Mongsenyimti, Lirmen, Aonokpu, Longmisa, Tsürmen, Nokpu, Chuchuyimlang, Longjang, Molungyimsen, Mekuli, and Chungtiayimsen, as well as units from Dimapur and Kohima.
According to Dr Imkongwapang Longchar, President of Aoli Longchar Mungdang, the first convention (Mungdang) was held by the Aoli Longchar elders in 1949 in Chungtia village. Tekalemba Longchar, President of the Mokokchung Unit, added that by 1938-39, Longchar Kidong had already been established. He also highlighted the linguistic diversity within the clan, noting that while the Longchar originally spoke the Ao Mongsen language, some villages now speak the Ao Chungli language.
A documentary presented by the editorial board during the jubilee highlighted the migration history of the Longchar clan. According to the documentary, when Longchar Tebou Waza (Koza) resided at Khezakheno, there was a stone known as “Tsotawo” (Aren Awa Long). Each morning, a kheza of grain would be spread on the stone to dry in the sun. However, when they returned in the evening to collect the grain, they found they could collect two kheza of grain from the stone. Believing this to be a blessing, the clan considered it a divine blessing and adopted the name “Longchachar,” derived from this sacred experience.
Er Chubatoshi, Executive Engineer at PWD (R&B) Mangkolemba Division, addressing the gathering as an in-law of the clan, described Longchar men as honest, straightforward, and unwavering, while he identified Longchar women as the “best mothers” among the Aos, praising their bravery, courage, love, and spirit of sacrifice. However, he voiced concern that, as new cultures and traditions infuse into society, it is becoming increasingly challenging to hold on to these defining traits.
He further discussed the pressures of modern life on traditional values, highlighting growing discussions around gender equality. “There are now talks about equality between men and women, with demands that women should also inherit (Senmang). But if we accept this, our traditions will be lost. We also believe that God made men and women differently,” he said, urging the gathering to reflect on the matter.
Er Chubatoshi also expressed concern that traditional values are becoming diluted and called on both men and women to preserve the sanctity of these values. “As the idea of equality overtakes society, irrespective of age or social standing, we are slowly losing the essence of our traditional values,” he stated.
He stressed the importance of names in Ao culture, pointing out that a name carries meaning and is not just a label. “In our culture, a name holds significance,” he added. He urged the community to restore the sanctity of their traditional values, just as their forefathers had upheld them.
“Let us play our role in preserving our culture and traditions,” Er Chubatoshi said.
Limanüngsang Kichu, President of Mongsen Mungdang, recalled how, despite the poverty and political unrest faced by their forefathers, they were guided by love, unity, humility, and strong visions for the future. He questioned whether the present generation could replicate these values and emphasized the importance of unity, stating that without it, the jubilee would hold no meaning.
Kichu expressed concern over the fading tradition of how the Aos address their parents, elders, relatives, and clans. He urged the gathering to hold on to the traditional ways of addressing these figures, stressing that the mother tongue begins in the kitchen. He called on parents to teach their children these essential values.
He also spoke about the distinct traditional attire of the Aos, noting how Mongsen women tie their hair with white threads, while Chungli women use black threads. Additionally, Mongsen women traditionally do not tattoo their chins but instead tattoo their legs. These unique cultural practices, he noted, are increasingly being lost.
Kichu, therefore, called for a “revival of cultures and traditions” (Sobaliba) among all the Aos, urging the community to preserve their rich heritage.
Imtitoshi, representative of Khensa Yimden, spoke about the close relationship their forefathers had with the God they worshipped, emphasizing how they always approached Him with pure hearts. He highlighted that in order to perform ‘Walokba’ (Talking to God), the forefathers made sure their souls were clean, pure, and beautiful. “Our forefathers never carried a dao or a spear while speaking to God,” he said, underlining the sanctity of their actions. He described this purity as their defining trait, identity, and legacy. With 75 years having passed and more to come, he asked whether their seeds and identity would continue to carry those same values.
Ao Senden Vice President, Aowati Longkumer, urged the gathering to refrain from greed and to embrace mutual love and understanding. He lamented the lack of unity among the Aos and encouraged the practice of “helping one another.” He also spoke against the tendency of Aos to remain indifferent to each other’s needs and called for greater unity within the community.
Dr Imkongwapang Longchar, President of Aoli Longchar Mungdang called for introspection, urging people to distinguish between objective truth and subjective truth, the latter often swayed by emotions. He challenged the gathering to question whether we still hold the integrity and strong moral principles our forefathers upheld.
The program was chaired by Temsüwabang Longchar. The jubilee was opened by Chungtia Longchar Kidong. S Ayim Longchar, Tsünger, Khensa Longchar Kidong delivered a welcome speech. Sobaliba Ken was presented by Aoli Longchalar and Aoli Longchar, Dimapur Unit. Prayers were offered by Imnawati Longchar, Pastor Merangmen Baptist Arogo and Aodangit Longchar.