Former CM speaks at first Dr SC Jamir Meritorious Award ceremony, urges Nagas to embrace the present
“Have we prepared our Naga society for the youth? Have we paved the way for the youngsters to march ahead?” Former Chief Minister of Nagaland and former Governor of Odisha, Goa, and Gujarat, Dr SC Jamir, posed these questions at the first Dr SC Jamir Meritorious Award ceremony held at Town Hall, Mokokchung.
In a wide-ranging address organized by the Ongpangkong Students’ Conference (OKM), Dr Jamir said the elders must bear the responsibility of shaping the society that the next generation will inherit.
“There’s no one that talks about the present but only the past,” he lamented. “What we talked about 50 years ago no longer resonates with society today.”
He acknowledged the cultural significance of Ao traditions such as Longterok and Chungliyimti, but cautioned against dwelling only in memory.
“I am not saying we should not talk about it – but those days are gone,” he said.
Calling the current age a “knowledge society,” the veteran Naga statesman reminded the audience that governance today is digital, and that nations powered by economy and knowledge will move ahead of others.
“You are no longer in Medemsanger or Mejemsanger Putu, but in the 21st Century,” he told the students.
“I am from Ungma village, an Ao and a Naga — but I am a citizen of the world. We are citizens of the world. It is a globalized world. We need to help one another and stay connected with the rest of the world.”
He urged Nagas to think beyond tribal and territorial lines.
“We should not think and talk only about Ongpangkong alone but for the overall Nagas.”
Recalling the pride of a people once admired for honesty, bravery, and hard work, Dr. Jamir said that legacy is now fading.
“Today, we continue to divide ourselves. We no longer talk about Nagas. We have too many factions. In that divided society, even we are included. No one dares to point out when our leaders are at fault.”
“From top to bottom, we are corrupted. The greatest famine in Naga society is honesty and truth.”
Returning to the central theme of the day — the youth — he issued a heartfelt challenge to elders: “We have so many young people. What kind of a society are we going to give them? That burden should be on us. This burden must also be borne by the Ao Nagas.”
Despite the critique, Dr. Jamir’s tone was not without hope.
“It is my hope that the Ongpangkong Students’ Conference (OKM) will help in building a nation that moves forward.”
The event, hosted by OKM, one of the oldest student bodies in Mokokchung district, also honored two outstanding students. Moamenla B Kichu, who secured Top 9 in HSLC 2024, and Moasanen Pongen, Top 2 in HSLC 2025, were awarded certificates and a cash prize of Rs 20,000 each. Both hail from Aliba village and are students of Fernwood School, Kohima.
Ongpangkong is one of the six ranges in Mokokchung District.