The 10th Walu Aten of the Khensa Kaketshir Telungjem (Khensa Students Union) commenced at the Local Ground, Khensa, on December 28 and will conclude on December 30. The three-day program is being held under the theme “Putusen Yayim” (Way of Life in the New Era), with a focus on student-led reformation, social responsibility, and community participation.
A total of 387 delegates from seven units are attending the event. The participating units include Amenyong with 35 delegates, Mokokchung Town with 26, Dimapur with 48, Kohima with 46, Yimyu ward with 100, Yimtsüng (village) unit with 67, and Kongrokong with 65 delegates.
On December 29, the second day of the program, Moatoshi Longkumer, MLA and Advisor for Labour and Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of Nagaland, will grace the event as the Chief Guest. Dr Arenla Walling, Additional Director, Health and Family Welfare, will attend as the Guest of Honour.
During the opening night, Temjenzulu from the Department of Economic and Statistics, Kohima, delivered a brief exhortation based on the theme “The Way of Life in the New Era.” He urged the Khensa community, particularly students and youths, to reflect seriously on the present condition of the village and respond with concrete and collective action. He stated that encouragement alone is insufficient without a clear and practical plan of action.
Highlighting social concerns, Temjenzulu observed that Khensa is gradually becoming a “village of widows.” He said he was informed that there are around 40 widows in the village, with nearly 80 percent of the cases linked to substance abuse. Sharing from personal experience, he admitted that he was once a drunkard and cautioned the gathering about the long term consequences of substance abuse. He questioned the responsibility of students and youths in addressing this issue within the community.
He also spoke on the loss of the dignity of labor, pointing out that despite being a village, Khensa depends heavily on laborers from outside as local people are reluctant to engage in manual work. He warned that such dependence could lead to future immigration related challenges and stressed that villagers themselves can undertake labor and earn with dignity.
On education and economic responsibility, Temjenzulu noted that Khensa has trained teachers and government schools, yet many families spend heavily on private institutions. He questioned this trend and asked what responsibility the community bears in achieving economic freedom and self reliance. He also observed that villagers often honor outsiders more than their own people.
Addressing governance and accountability, he spoke on corruption and stated that misuse of public funds continues while communities remain silent. He expressed concern that students are not questioning such practices, reminding them of their power to seek transparency and accountability.
He further spoke on leadership and wisdom, stating that although wisdom is often discussed, it is rarely practiced. Referring to scholars, he said wisdom matures around the age of 60 and above and questioned why the village fails to draw from the experience of its professionals. He added that the lack of political justice and economic progress stems from disunity, noting that Khensa has never had an MLA due to internal divisions.
Calling for reformation, Temjenzulu said that true change must begin at the individual, family, and societal levels. He questioned the purpose of Walu Aten beyond social interaction and proposed action plans including education reform, restoration of the dignity of labor, strengthening of Sunday Schools and home evangelism, observance of a Khensa Reformation Day, and creation of professional networks.
The second edition of the Khensa Mongsen Yusa book was released by Alemyapang Longchar, ADC Chiephobozou. The program was chaired by Nokrangtsüng, Assistant General Secretary of KKT. The invocation was pronounced by Imlilemba, Home Evangelist, KBA, while the welcome address was delivered by Walunir, Vice President of KKT. A special number was presented by the Kohima Unit, followed by the first round of the Walu Aten Talent Show Competition. The program concluded with a closing prayer by Tiakokla, President of Khensa Sensotsür Telongjem.
