The Longjang Kaketshir Telungjem Mokokchung (LKTM) celebrated its Platinum Jubilee today, October 11, at the Mokokchung Town Hall, with Advisor for Law and Justice, Land Revenue, TN Mannen as the special guest, and Dr I Lanu Aier, Professor (Retd), NEHU, as the speaker of the event.
The jubilee was centered on the theme “Jangyumedem Shisashir,” which loosely translates to “holistic scholars” meaning ”a student who receives a balanced and holistic education across all fields.” With a rich legacy of producing educators, Longjang village celebrated its past achievements while urging the younger generation to follow the path laid by previous generations.
Dr I Lanu Aier, in his address, reminded the youth that ”the way has been paved by those before you. Now it is up to the younger generation to summon the will and determination to succeed in life through the education they’ve received.” He emphasized the transformative power of reading, remarking that ”knowledge is gained through reading, and wisdom follows knowledge.”
Expressing concern over the decline in reading habits, Aier urged the gathering to cultivate a passion for reading, not just academic books but also newspapers and literature. He highlighted that ”even the habit of reading newspapers is waning,” and encouraged students to remain curious and engaged. As the first Naga gold medalist in sociology from NEHU, Aier motivated the students to set high ambitions and envision a brighter future. He also urged the community to continue fostering a culture of shared learning, advising, ”in your journey of education, keep your eyes, ears, and mind open. Share what you learn with others.”
Advisor TN Mannen, addressing the importance of youth, remarked that this phase of life is crucial for discovering one’s talents and seizing opportunities. ”It is during youth that you must shape your future and the future of society,” he said. Mannen also cautioned that government job opportunities are now limited, encouraging students to start considering alternative career paths early in life.
Er. Achanger Aier, SDO of the Electrical Department Mokokchung, urged the students to be proactive and ready when opportunities come their way. He advised them to work hard, avoid laziness, and use challenges as motivation for self-improvement.
As part of the celebration, the Bendang T. Jamir and Family Trust Award was presented, honoring HSLC toppers with Rs 10,000. Jamir explained that the award was established to inspire Longjang students toward success. Reflecting on the village’s academic history, he expressed concern over the decline in notable achievements in recent decades, stating that “although many students have emerged from Longjang, fewer have achieved success in the last 25 years.”
The event also featured performances by the Longjang Kaketshir Telungjem Mokokchung, which presented a jubilee song composed by Yanglu, and the Longjanglar Telongjem Mokokchung, which performed a group song.
Advocate Repentsüng Jamir took a moment to reminisce about the Golden Jubilee of the Longjang Students’ Union, recalling the dignity of labor during their time as an official. He expressed hope that today’s youth would continue to uphold such values.
Short speeches were also delivered by Moarenba Aier, President of LKTM; Kajenkaba Aier, President of Asetkong Kaketshir Telongjem Mokokchung; S Imti Aier, Chairman of the Longjang Village Council; and T Sashi Imchen, President of LSTM.
The event included a prayer for students by Rev Ngangnen, Pastor of Alembang Baptist Arogo. Atipong Aier, President of LKTM, delivered the welcome address, while A Wati Longkumer, Home Evangelist of LSTM, offered the invocation. The program was ably chaired by Temjenjungla Longchar.