Changki youths soul-search for new growth of community

Dimapur, Oct. 29 (EMN): The first ‘Awakening Changki Consciousness,’ a community growth-themed motivational seminar, was held on October 27 at Sakus Mission College’s auditorium in Dimapur. The event was organized by the Dimapur Changki Lanuri Longjem (DCLL) of Dimapur, a press release from the organisers stated on Monday. Representatives from various Changki organisations in Dimapur and Kohima are said to have attended the seminar. The day’s program was presided over by Dr. Jamedi Longkumer, associate professor at Dimapur Government College. He was quoted as having said in the opening remarks: “In the journey of our social development, we, the Changki community is at a crossroad today and if we are to move ahead and if we desire to be healthy and progressive as a community we need to ask the question of our IDENTITY and VISION and awaken our consciousness to the necessity of understanding and consolidating these foundational elements within our community.” The topic for the first session was a general historical overview of Changki village, which is in Mokokchung district. Aotsungba Longchari, president of the CAASM, gave a brief account of the migration of the Changki people from the ‘far east’ to the present settlement at Changki village; the arrival of various other groups in the later stages to make Changki a group of 13 clans. He encouraged the Changki youth to work unceasingly for unity of the community, the updates stated. Rev. Imna Tzudir, pastor of Changki Baptist Church, said during his session, on the advent of Christianity and education in the village was quoted as having stated that “education in Changki village developed through the influence and impact of Christianity.” He added that Impokumba was the first educationist who established the first school in 1903 in Changki. ‘Christianity was brought to Changki by Godhula who was an evangelist working with Dr. Clark, and Tzudiong was the first convert. Odangba was the first recorded baptized member. Changki Baptist Church was established in 1901, the press release stated. “The first generation of converts worked very zealously for the spreading the gospel in the neighbouring regions. The women folk actively participated in this mission work. From among the early Christians in Changki many pastors, missionaries, evangelists, educationists sprouted out. Ironically, Changki church is facing a number of problems and divisions today,” the press release stated. He called upon the young to work toward bringing unity of the Changki church. In the third session, Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, emeritus professor of Constructive Theology and Philosophy, spoke on the topic “discontinuing-continuity of one’s history,” the press release stated. He said that the “Changki history must be viewed and studied from an analytically ‘suspicious’ interpretation. The making of ‘Changki renaissance’ cannot be disputed. It is factual history for all Aos as well. “What moved you [Changki] before anyone else is that your foremothers and forefathers were driven by a need to flourish by moving beyond rationalization of culture,” the press release stated of the speaker’s opinion. ‘As such, the Changki people were originally vibrant, dynamic and in the making of history beyond the cyclic worldview of the rest of their neighbours. Thus, moving from the dogmatic, rigid and monolithic culture, you were paralleled with other who were fixed within their worldview that situated them in their time given-ness. Any paralleling is always at odds with others and if, the “one” as opposed to the “others” is super conscious of the others’ dogmatic, rigid and monolithic culture, you will go back to the past.’ Dr. Wati added that “your pioneers knew their difficulties, but they knew that moving on without being held by the past, was a form of healing. This too was a conscious intent to defy any form of rationalism.” In the final session of the seminar, Dr. Aküm Longchari spoke on the topic ‘Embracing Changki - towards healing,’ the updates stated. He was said to have quoted Antonio Gramsci’s insight of crisis: “The old is dying and the new cannot be born; in this interregnum a great variety of morbid symptoms appear.” He pointed to the need to examine why the new cannot be born and to identify and recognize the unhealthy symptoms that are appearing during this interval. Further, he stressed on the need for young people to speak their minds, share ideas and explore ways forward in order to bring about transformation in society. Because people with diverse background and experiences have different interpretations about issues, he reminded, there is a need to create space for everyone’s perspective and narratives while trying to bring about reconciliation. ‘He emphasized the need for a collective truth in order for healing to begin. He pointed out that peace can be achieved only when truth, mercy and justice come together bearing the fruit of reconciliation,’ the press release stated of his speech. In his concluding remarks, Dr. Jamedi Longkumer mentioned that the Changki people must ‘transcend the past.’ ‘As the seed transcends the soil and become the tree so can we become what we are called to be only when we can go beyond the limitations of our past and history,’ the press release stated. The organisers added to the press release: “A young participant remarked, ‘Our young people need to hear these positive stories and speeches. We need to start dreaming about a transformed Changki.’”