The 70th general conference of the Ao Kaketshir Mungdang at Chungtia village has already marked itself as one to remember. The opening drone display, live streaming, and creative use of prerecorded and AI-assisted content signal a willingness to adapt to changing times while holding on to cultural roots. Such efforts, combined with the warmth and organization of the host village, have set a new reference point for how large community gatherings can be conducted.
The presence of the Chief Minister on the second day further adds weight to the occasion. Hosting a conference of this scale demands months if not years of preparation, financial commitment, and community participation. Chungtia’s collective effort merits recognition, and it is reasonable to expect that the state leadership responds with tangible support that strengthens local infrastructure and rewards civic initiative. Such gestures go a long way in affirming the value of community-led action.
Beyond the spectacle and scale, the conference has offered serious reflections on leadership, work, and responsibility. Voices from different walks of life have highlighted the need for self belief, ethical grounding, and economic initiative. These discussions gain meaning when they lead to clear resolutions and follow-up action. The sessions lined up over the three days hold promise in this regard, provided outcomes are documented and carried forward beyond the conference ground.
At the same time, long-standing questions about the format of student conferences have resurfaced. The AKM, as an identity-based organization, occupies a space different from academic or political student bodies. Its survival through decades since its founding in 1929 is a testament to its relevance, yet changing realities call for honest review. Should the number of delegates be reduced? Can the duration be shortened? Is there room to rethink how resources are used and how discussions are structured? These are conversations that merit thoughtful and open discussion.
Equally important is the need for the organization itself to adapt internally. To remain meaningful to a new generation, its structures, priorities, and modes of engagement must be revisited. The Chungtia conference offers a glimpse of what thoughtful change can look like. What follows will depend on whether such intent is carried through with consistency, discipline, and clear intent.