model green ward plan at Silver Jubilee
The Marepkong Youth Association (MYA) marked its Silver Jubilee at Asaya Lenten on the theme “Greater Heights (Mar-len Wasang),” not merely celebrating the past 25 years but announcing a forward roadmap aimed at self-reliance, youth empowerment, and civic partnership. The Association resolved to frame a Vision 2050 document, strengthen its Trust Fund into an endowment model, and work towards making Marepkong a model green ward in Mokokchung.
O Tinu Longkumer, BJP Mokokchung District President and a former advisor of MYA, described Marepkong as “one of the fastest growing wards among Mokokchung’s 18,” crediting the Association’s focus on structure and discipline.
Repamongba, the first president of MYA, recounted the foundation years when the youth resolved to create an Association that “does not ask, but gives to society.” He said the Trust Fund, built on that principle, has grown to keep the Association self-reliant. He acknowledged MYA’s role in hosting the Inter-Ward football tournament and urged the members to protect what has been built: “Do not allow the things we started to disappear.”
Imtisumak, Chairman of Marepkong Ward, cited past initiatives including free coaching for Class 10 students, pothole repairs, and blood donation drives as examples of community service carried out without waiting for government intervention.
Chief Guest Imlikokba Longkumer, Assistant Development Commissioner, Department of Planning & Transformation, Nagaland, called Marepkong “home” and described the youth as “the spine of society and the bridge between tradition and modernity.” He urged young people to ambitious without losing their sense of responsibility: “Serve before seeking recognition. Dream big, but with roots in where you come from.”
The theme speaker, Akok Walling, amidst the many achievements of MYA over the past 25 years, emphasized how to move forward and achieve greater heights. He said teachings within the home have become an integral part and that one cannot rely solely on classroom education. He also cautioned against the belief that only the present matters and warned against allowing tradition to decline. He argued that academic education alone cannot preserve identity. He encouraged learning from mistakes and experiences and advised the youth to distinguish between development from within and external influences. He also called on members to recognize each other’s talents and contribute actively to society.
The jubilee concluded with three resolutions: to formulate a Vision 2050 roadmap and establish an Endowment Fund aimed at strengthening the Trust Fund model for long-term self-reliance; to prioritise youth empowerment and leadership by creating platforms for skill, ambition, and talent development; and to enhance civic engagement through collaboration with civil society, municipal bodies, and the district administration in order to work towards making Marepkong a model green ward.