Ungma, January 12 (MTNews): The 7th general conference of the Longpok Semchir Telongjem is being held at Ungma village on January 12 and 13. The two-day conference, held under the theme “Lipok Tamendakdak Arangshi” began this evening where Dr M Temjen Longkumer, Mopungchuket, was the main speaker. He spoke on the topic “Tanü Putu nung Kidong Teinyaktsü.”
The session began with an invocation by Takowati, Associate Pastor of Ungma Baptist Church which was followed by the president of Longpok Semchir Telongjem, K Nokmarenba calling the meeting to order. Welcome address was delivered by Temsüzenba Longkumer, Tatar, Ungma while Vice President of the Longpok Semchir Telongjem, Imnekenba presided over the introduction of guests. Chairman of Ungma Village Council and President of Aoli Pongen Mungdang also delivered short speeches. The Merangkong Longpok Semchir Telongjem presented a folk song.
Dr M Temjen Longkumer in his speech stated that there are many aspects of the Ao culture that must be preserved and practiced. He also emphasized on the importance of mother language and the role and responsibility of parents to encourage their children to learn, speak and preserve it. He also said that it is important that parents educate their children about their genealogical roots.
The speaker also expressed apprehension that most aspects of one’s culture would be lost with the loss of the mother language. He further suggested documentation of the genealogy of the clan for posterity.
During his speech, the speaker also remarked with regret that there is a tendency in Ao Naga society to punish writers for inadvertent errors which, he observed, was one of the main reasons why there is a dearth of writers on cultural studies. Stating that such errors, if any, can be rectified in subsequent publications, the speaker suggested that the trend of punishing writers must be reviewed.