‘We should be united, not divided’
Mokokchung, February 21 (MTNews): The Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang observed the International Mother Language Day at Mokokchung Town Baptist Church, Mokokchung, on 21 February, which was held under the theme, “Tetsü Oshi Ajanga Kin Ka Taküm Lidaktsür,” or, “A people’s existence depends upon its mother language.”
Hundreds of youths along with parents dressed in their traditional attires attended the special program.
The main speaker, Imtipokyim, General Secretary, Ao Senden, while speaking at the program stressed on the importance of mother language and stated that, keeping a mother language alive can only be done through collective participation from everyone. He added that Ao Senden Literature Board along with various experts in the field of language are working towards preserving the Ao language and requested the youths to participate and work hand in hand to achieve the goal. “As we progress into a modern world, we have stopped using hundreds of words from the Ao language which is why, before our parents and grandparents pass away, we should ask and learn to preserve our rich language,” he added. He further underscored that, through the pursuance of preserving language, “we should be united and not divided.”
The program was led by Teka Imchen, while Sentimeren, MTBA Asso. Pastor, prayed for the program. Ao Senden Literature Board member, Dr. Lanurenla, spoke on the meaning of theme.
Presentation of cultural songs, short play, narration of Ao poems and folktales were the other highlights of the program. A vote of thanks was delivered by Toshi Sanglir, ABAM. The program was organized by ABAM Literature Ministry in collaboration with ABAM Youth Ministry.
‘Language is power’
Mokokchung, February 21 (MTNews): Together with the rest of the world, AKM (Ao Students’ Conference) observed the International Mother Language Day by launching its own project “AKM Decade of Ao Language,” a decade long initiation of AKM, for the promotion and development of Ao Language, at its Conference Hall, on February 21.
Padma Shri awardee, T Senka Ao, a former President of AKM himself, was the main speaker at the event. He asserted that “language is power and when you lose your language, you are no better than a slave.”
T Senka Ao stressed on the importance and also the difficulties faced by Ao language. He maintained that a dictionary is never complete with words; but that, however, there should be no error in the interpretation of the meaning of the words.
He also highlighted on the spelling challenges faced by Ao language and suggested that it can only be resolved through collective acceptance. He also urged the Churches to write articles and contents which will attract the young generation to infuse interest in Ao language.
While stressing that language is “technical, science and culture,” T Senka Ao called upon the participants to become the middlemen of Ao Language, where one teaches the other what they know. Besides, he said, one can try to learn more from elders which would be treasure for generations to come.
He also wished for Ao language to be recognized under the Eighth Schedule of Indian Constitution, and for this, he urged the Ao Senden, Watsü Mungdang and AKM to strive towards developing the Ao language.
The “AKM Decade of Ao Language” was adopted during the 68th AKM General Conference at Khar village in 2020. Meanwhile, the day also marked the declaration of results of “Aor Kilung Oset Jaya,” a village wise competition on documentation of traditional Ao Naga household items. Mopungchuket was adjudged the winner, while Longmisa and Akhoya were declared second and third place winners respectively.