Over 1,600 delegates gathered at Chungtia Village on Tuesday, January 13, as the 70th Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM) Conference opened with a spectacular drone show, blending technology and tradition in what many spectators called Nagaland’s first cultural drone display.
The drones lit up the sky with images and words, marking the start of three days of reflection on leadership, self-reliance, and the future of the Ao community.
The show was presented by Airbotix, a New Delhi-based company founded in 2019, which was commissioned by Chungtia Village.
“We’ve done similar shows elsewhere, but this time we are doing according to the theme the village wants,” the company told MT.
Held under the theme “Strengthening Horizons,” the three-day conference began on January 13 with Lok Sabha MP Supongmeren Jamir as the inaugural guest and will conclude on January 15. The formal opening included a flag-hoisting ceremony by Lanutoshi Aier, President of AKM, and a cultural performance by the Chungtia Students’ Union. Assamwati Longchar, Village Council Chairman, Chungtia welcomed the gathering.
“It’s time for Ao-owned companies and entrepreneurship”
Addressing the conference, Ao Senden President Marsanen Imsong cautioned against the habit of constant comparison and the common narrative that “we have moved backwards.” He emphasized that the Ao community should not speak poorly of itself, stating that much remains intact. He encouraged mutual correction, support, and unity among the people.
Imsong further challenged the community by raising a critical question on self-reliance. If the Aos are pioneers, he said, then the time has come to establish Ao-owned companies, promote entrepreneurship, and work towards economic self-sufficiency with Ao founders leading the way.
Limasunep Jamir, IPS, Special Secretary, Home Department and President of the Ao Officers’ Telongjem, shared insights from his lived experiences.
He observed that while the Ao community continues to have a strong presence of gazetted officers, theologians, and professionals, other communities are rapidly catching up, often creating a perception that Aos are lagging behind. However, he emphasized that the community remains strong. Addressing the issue of rising unemployment, he urged the youth to adopt a change in mindset, stressing the importance of starting from the bottom, embracing risk, and learning through struggle. He highlighted the need to overcome fear, dependency, and complacency, and called on young people to speak the truth fearlessly, build strong moral and ethical foundations, and hold those in power accountable. He further encouraged cultivating counter-cultural and counter-intuitive thinking to become responsible citizens in a rapidly changing and transparent society.
MP Supongmeren Jamir stated that platforms like the AKM conference should aim to produce responsible bureaucrats, leaders, and officers, and serve as spaces for individuals to mould themselves into capable leaders.
Emphasising humility and a love for learning, he urged the youth to continuously acquire knowledge, explore themselves, understand their calling, recognise their calibre, and pursue their goals accordingly. He cautioned that the moment one assumes they have learned enough, it can negatively impact attitude and life.
Supongmeren asserted that the Ao community does not lack ability or potential, but that shortcomings often lie at the individual level, particularly in attitude and mindset. He concluded by encouraging the youth to remain determined and not allow setbacks to deter them from achieving their aspirations, while also calling for introspection on the broader socio-economic challenges facing Nagaland.
“This Ao–Eastern bond should and must continue”
Nuheymong Yimkhiung, President of ENSF, spoke at length on the historic and ongoing bond between the Ao and Eastern Naga communities. “This relationship is age-old,” he said, lauding the Aos for their accommodative spirit. “This bonding should and must continue.” He reminded the delegates that the Ao forefathers had brought the word of God to the Eastern regions, and that this shared history had laid a foundation of faith and institutions that weld the communities together.
He appealed to the younger generation to maintain this spirit of accommodation and respect. “Mokokchung is a place that many would wish to live. Eastern citizens have come here to live and learn. Please be patient with them in attitude, teach them, love them, and support them,” he said. Yimkhiung also urged young students not to despise Eastern citizens or refuse postings in the region once they enter government service. “Do not say no when you are posted in Eastern Nagaland,” he emphasized, highlighting a continuing challenge where many avoid assignments in remote and rural areas of the state.
Ajit Kumar Verma, Deputy Commissioner, Mokokchung, IAS, highlighted the importance of preserving heritage and traditional knowledge while combining it with modern technology and skill development, stressing a balanced approach to progress.
The second day of the conference will be graced by Chief Minister Nephiu Rio.
