Mokokchung, October 22 (MTNews): Ongpangkong Tetsür Mungdang (OTM) organized a seminar for the students of Ongpangkong Kaketshir Mungdang under the theme, “Aor Shisangren” at Ongpangkong Salang, Arkong Ward, Mokokchung with Padma Shree T. Senka Ao as the resource person. “Aor Shisangren” may be translated as “Ao Identity.”
During his speech, T. Senka Ao stressed the necessity of preserving one’s identity, culture, and customs via language, stating, “Language is identity.”
In this regard, he said that discipline, which includes character, behavior and manners, and truthfulness are two key identities that the Aos possess.
The Padma Shree recipient in Literature and Education also emphasized self-discipline, noting that it begins with the smallest things and that it is impossible to lead until one disciplines oneself. He also told the students that if they forget their culture, they would lose touch with their roots and will begin to lose their own identity. He went on to say that simply understanding the culture was not enough; “We need to understand why we follow and preserve this rich ethos,” he said. In this regard, he advised the students to seek and absorb wisdom and knowledge from the elders who serve as the guardians and treasures of our rich culture and tradition.
He also observed that the values of honesty, hard work, sincerity, and discipline had been lost as a result of the paradigm shift of twentieth-century development and our current ‘easy money environment’. In this regard, he encouraged the students to first be who he is. “If you are not what you are and are dishonest, you will not inherit the rich ethos; our forefathers practiced many noble ethos. Let us maintain and preserve this great inheritance,” he urged the youngsters.
Earlier, Akumchila, President OTM and Limatongzuk Jamir, President OKM gave brief appreciation messages. While a discussion hour was moderated by Imsubenla T. Jamir, Asst. Women Co-ordinator OKM.