Participants at the AKM foundation day-cum-centenary curtain raiser programme at Longkhum village, Mokokchung on December 29.
Morung Express News
Mokokchung| December 29
The Ao Students' Conference (AKM) celebrated its 96 Foundation Day-cum-100 years Centenary Curtain Raiser at the Longkhum Community Hall, Longkhum village, Mokokchung on Monday.
Lanutoshi Aier, President, Ao Students' Conference, while delivering the president's speech honoured the former leaders and forerunners of AKM who have led AKM through the 96 years journey. He mentioned about the crucial time when AKM was formed under persecution, restriction and threats but stood against all odds for the nation.
Limalenden Longkumer, Proprietor of Mokokchung Times and a member of the AKM Centenary Souvenir Committee, interpreted and elaborated on the theme of the Ao Students’ Conference Centenary celebration. The centenary of the Ao Students’ Conference Foundation Day marks a historic milestone of 100 years and will be commemorated under the theme “Olemyim Tasen ka”, which translates to “A New Narrative.”
In his address, Longkumer explained that “A New Narrative” calls for a conscious reimagining of how Ao students think, act, and contribute to society in the present and the future. He outlined several key sub-themes that collectively define this renewed vision.
At the same time, he emphasised inclusivity and collective progress, highlighting the need to foster unity, mutual respect, and shared upliftment beyond divisions. Likewise, he also spoke on sustainability and growth, stressing the importance of embracing progress through adaptability, innovation, and accountability in order to remain relevant and resilient in a changing world.
Another central focus was transformation, which he described as honoring Ao heritage while embracing change with wisdom, balance, and grace. He further underlined the importance of purpose-driven education and responsible leadership, urging Ao students to prioritise service, integrity, and accountability in both personal and public roles.
Additionally, Longkumer highlighted dialogue, innovation, and legacy creation as essential pillars of the new narrative, encouraging open conversations, creative thinking, and proactive engagement with contemporary challenges.
Through these interconnected themes, he emphasised that “Olemyim Tasen ka – A New Narrative” defines the guiding principles by which Ao students are called to function—rooted in legacy, responsive to the present, and visionary towards the future.
The Ao Students' Conference Centenary Planning Committee, led by S Bendang Aier, outlined a four-year plan leading up to the centenary celebration. 2026, a year of preparation which will Focus on preparations for the centenary celebration.
2027, declaration and reconciliation year; to declare the centenary celebration to all villages and communities, and to work towards reconciliation. 2028, thanksgiving and honour year; to honour personalities who have served and brought laurels to the Ao Students' Conference. 2029, year of reaching out and celebration; to extend invitations to all tribes and celebrate the glorious centenary of the Ao Students' Conference.
Exhortation was delivered by Chairman, Longkhum Putu Menden and Padmshree T Senka Ao, Fomer President, AKM. The invocation was pronounced by Dr Zulu Sor, Pastor NCRC, Longkhum. A thanksgiving prayer was said by Rev T Aka, Pastor, Longkhum Baptist Arogo and Rev Talijungla APW, Ungma Baptist Arogo and vice President ABAM, beseeched the blessings of God.
Additionally, Ao Students' Conference will hold its 70th General Conference from January 13 to 15 in Chungtia village, Mokokchung District under the theme, "Strengthening Horizons."
Ao Students' Conference (AKM) was formed in Longkhum village in 1929, serving as a crucial organisation for education, social change, and cultural preservation for the Ao Naga community.
