The Ao Students’ Conference (Ao Kaketshir Mungdang) observed its 96th Foundation Day and held a curtain raiser for its forthcoming 100-year centenary at the Longkhum Community Hall on December 29.
AKM President Lanutoshi Aier, in his presidential address, paid tribute to former leaders and pioneers who have guided the organization through its 96-year journey. He recalled the challenging circumstances under which AKM was formed, marked by persecution, restrictions, and threats, and said the organization had stood firm despite these adversities for the cause of the people.
Limalenden Longkumer, Editor of Mokokchung Times and a member of the AKM Centenary Souvenir Committee, presented and explained the centenary theme, “Olemyim Tasen Ka,” or “A New Narrative.” He elaborated on the key sub-themes, which include inclusivity and collective progress through unity and mutual respect, sustainability and growth through adaptability and accountability, transformation by honoring heritage while embracing change, purpose-driven education and responsible leadership, and the importance of dialogue, innovation, and legacy creation. He said these principles would guide the functioning of the Ao Students’ Conference in the years ahead.
The AKM Centenary Planning Committee convener S Bendang Aier outlined a four-year roadmap leading to the centenary celebrations. The year 2026 has been designated as the Year of Preparation, focusing on groundwork for the centenary. The year 2027 will be observed as the Declaration and Reconciliation Year, aimed at reaching out to villages and communities and building reconciliation. The year 2028 will be marked as the Thanksgiving and Honour Year to recognize individuals who have contributed significantly to AKM and to outstanding achievers from the Ao community. The centenary celebrations will culminate in 2029, designated as the Year of Reaching Out and Celebration, with invitations extended to all neighboring communities.
The program was chaired by Dr Limasenla A Jamir. Exhortations were delivered by Chairman of Longkhum Putu Menden and Padma Shri awardee T Senka Ao, former AKM President. Invocation was pronounced by Dr Zulu Sor, Pastor of NCRC Longkhum, while thanksgiving prayers were offered by Rev T Aka, Pastor of Longkhum Baptist Arogo, and Rev Talijungla APW of Ungma Baptist Arogo, Vice President of ABAM.
Meanwhile, AKM announced that its 70th General Conference will be held from January 13 to 15, 2026, at Chungtia village in Mokokchung district under the theme “Strengthening Horizons.”
The Ao Students’ Conference was founded in 1929 at Longkhum village and has since played a major role in education, social development, cultural preservation and growth among the Ao Naga community.
The AKM Centennial will be held at Waromung, the native village of its first president Padma Shree W Nokdenlemba.