DIMAPUR — The Ao Kaketshir Telongjem Kohima (AKTK) celebrated its students’ day-cum-cultural programme on the theme ‘Sobalibaaser Shisaliok Lirometema’ at Molu Ki Kohima on October 2, with senior advocate at Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, CT Jamir as the special guest
Addressing the students on the importance of culture and education, CT Jamir said both culture and education together can take a person forward, as they go hand in hand, a DIPR report stated.
On the importance of preserving culture, Jamir said that one should show reverence and love to one’s ancestral place by utilising one’s talent to benefit its people and the place, practicing the exogamous marriage system of Ao marriages, understanding the importance of one’s mother tongue as one’s identity, and being hardworking and truthful like “our ancestors.”
He also said that since culture is an ongoing process, it keeps changing with the change of times.
Stressing on the importance of education, the advocate pointed out that Nagaland has many job avenues, but many of the educated youths remain unemployed as they opt only for government jobs.
With the change of time, he said that the mindset of both parents and children should also change.
He went on to state that being educated, one should asses properly before choosing a career path and also know about the aspects of different jobs and profession.
Jamir further called upon the youth to work hard, endure all the troubles and pains and step out of their comfort zones to lead the future.
President of Kohima Ao Telongjem, T Chubayanger, in his short speech, emphasised that without mother tongue, there can be no culture as one’s mother tongue confirms one’s identity and the community to which he or she belongs to.
Mentioning that many of the youths today feel that language is only for communication and give least importance to their mother tongue, he asserted that if a person cannot speak one’s own mother tongue, he or she will not be proud of his culture and tradition, and soon lose his identity and become a castaway from one’s own community.
During the programme, eight students from Kohima who topped the HSLC and HSSLC Examination 2024 were awarded the AKTK meritorious award.
The programme was marked by presentation of folk song and dances and special numbers.
Earlier, AKTK president Sentilong Longchar delivered the welcome address.
The union’s general secretary Moasunep proposed vote of thanks.
