10th Walu Aten of Khensa Students’ Union: Day-2
The second day of the 10th Walu Aten of the Khensa Students’ Union (Khensa Kaketshir Telongjem) was held at Khensa village with Moatoshi Longkumer, MLA and Advisor for Labour and Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of Nagaland, attending the program as the chief guest.
One of the highlights of the day was the formal inauguration of the archery sport by the chief guest, marking the beginning of the sports segment of the Walu Aten.
Chairman I Alemmeren Longchar, in his address to the student delegates, spoke on the importance of identity, language, and sustained youth initiatives. He stressed the need to preserve and actively use the Khensa Mongsen language, observing that many villagers, especially among the younger generation, are increasingly facing difficulty in speaking their own native language. He noted that incorrect grammar and the frequent mixing of other languages and English have gradually replaced original expressions, resulting in the loss of words and phrases unique to the village. Emphasizing that language forms a core part of identity, he urged students and youths to consciously reform their speech and practice speaking their mother tongue with confidence.
Referring to efforts aimed at language preservation, Longchar informed that the second edition of Khensa Mongsen Yusa has been published. He acknowledged the individuals involved in compiling the publication and appreciated their efforts in documenting the original spoken language of the village. He expressed hope that future editions would expand further and encouraged students to own a copy, read it carefully, and apply the language in daily use.
Highlighting youth-oriented initiatives, he referred to the annual Christmas Cake Race organized by the Students’ Union. He shared that four youths from the village have qualified for the armed forces and credited their participation in the race for helping them meet running and endurance requirements. He also mentioned that several youths have registered for the Nagaland Police constable recruitment scheduled from January 7 to 12, noting that the race has aided physical preparation. He encouraged the Students’ Union to continue the initiative.
Longchar further noted that Khensa village has over one thousand students and urged those studying or residing in Kohima, Dimapur, and other places to remain connected with the village by returning for village programs and actively speaking their native language. He remarked that the loss of identity often begins with the loss of language.
On academics, he observed that the village has produced individuals who have qualified through UPSC and NPSC examinations and are serving in various capacities. However, he cautioned that without sustained competitiveness, similar outcomes may not be seen in the coming years. He encouraged both men and women to recognize their potential and remain committed to progress, adding that Walu Aten should serve as a platform for mutual encouragement among students.
The day also featured the Walu Aten Race, a 9.70-kilometre event conducted across nine locations in Khensa village and Yimyu Ward. Participants completed task-based activities at checkpoints, including paragraph writing, solving scrabble crosswords, carving a traditional bamboo spoon, blowing balloons, and preparing a salad, while continuing the race. Three members from each of the seven units of the Khensa Students’ Union participated.
The program began with an invocation by Mayanger Walling, Pastor of Khensa Baptist Church, and was chaired by Imlikokba. Temsuakum, President of the Khensa Students’ Union, delivered the welcome address, while Awaben Walling presented “Walu Aten Nungyu Ken.” The formal programme concluded with a closing prayer by Rev. K. Temjen Longchar, followed by the commencement of sports activities including archery, futsal, and badminton.
