Setrichum Sangtam lighting the sports torch during the event.
AMAHATOR VILLAGE, DECEMBER 30 (MExN): The 63rd General Session of the Amahator Village Students’ Union (AVSU) was heldunder the theme “Embracing Cultural Identity in Christ” (Palu Liliyah Müinü Khrista Chah Liba), drawing a large gathering of villagers and students for a day-long programme celebrating Sangtam culture and community values.
The session featured traditional games, folk dances and songs showcasing Sangtam heritage, alongside addresses focusing on cultural preservation, youth responsibility and community development.
Sethrichum Sangtam, founder of the Better Life Foundation and a LEAD India Fellow, attended the programme as the cultural guest. Addressing the gathering, he called on students to take the lead in preserving Sangtam traditions and cultural practices, describing them as an invaluable heritage that must be safeguarded for future generations.
Emphasising the role of youth beyond academics, he encouraged students to explore diverse opportunities in private, entrepreneurial and self-employment sectors, in addition to government services. He stressed the importance of innovation and self-reliance among young people.
Sangtam also highlighted environmental protection as a pressing concern, noting Amahator village’s potential for eco-tourism. He said coordinated efforts from both the public and the government were necessary to protect and sustainably develop the village’s natural resources.
The session was also attended by Kipitong Sangtam, vice president of the United Sangtam LikhümPümji (USLP), whose presence, organisers said, was meant to encourage and support the student community of Amahator village and the surrounding region.
During the cultural programme, T Kirithong Sangtam, chairman of the Oriental Theological College, reflected on the progress of Amahator village over the years. He observed that the present student community was better equipped to face modern challenges and urged them to carry forward the values of honesty and integrity for which the village is known.
Hopise Sangtam, president of the Amahator Union Kiphire Town, thanked the cultural guest for travelling to attend the programme and encouraged the youth to actively document and preserve Sangtam traditions. He reminded students that the responsibility of maintaining cultural practices rests with the younger generation.
Additional addresses were delivered by Yangseki, head gaonbura of Amahator town, and Lithrongpa Sangtam, president of ARSU, who spoke on themes related to cultural identity, unity and community progress.
Rili Sangtam, vice president of the students’ union, expressed gratitude to community leaders, organisations and individuals for their continued support to the AVSU. AVSU president Hotsali Sangtam, in his concluding remarks, thanked the cultural guest and the Amahator Union Kiphire Town for their participation, stating that their presence provided encouragement to the students.
The session concluded with cultural performances and traditional games, with organisers describing the large turnout as a reflection of the community’s commitment to preserving its cultural roots while guiding the youth towards responsible leadership and service.
