Chief guest Imlikokba Longkumer, releasing the Silver Jubilee Souvenir of the Marepkong Youth Association during its 25th anniversary celebration at Marepkong Asaya Lenden on December 29. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | December 29
Marepkong Youth Association (MYA) marked its Silver Jubilee on December 29 at Marepkong Asaya Lenden under the theme “Greater Heights (Mar-len Wasang)”, bringing together past and present leaders, elders and youths of the ward.
In his address as Chief Guest, Imlikokba Longkumer, Assistant Development Commissioner, Department of Planning and Transformation, Nagaland, said that the jubilee theme reflected the youth’s refusal to be satisfied with past achievements and their desire to move towards a bigger vision. Longkumer described the youths as the bridge between tradition and modernity, elders and the future, and between vision and action. Emphasising that the role of youth organisations can never be replaced, he urged MYA members to remain consistent, work hard and maintain an unwavering spirit. He also called on the youths to dream big but stay grounded, to never forget their roots, values and responsibility towards society, and to stay united while working for greater goals over the next 25 years.
Jubilee Theme Speaker Akok Walling, speaking on Greater Heights (Mar-len Wasang), said that climbing higher always brings greater risks. However, he said that one has not gone far enough without that fear. He noted that obstacles and distractions are inevitable in pursuing a vision and encouraged the youths not to ask “why” but urged them to keep the “why not” attitude, and to stay grounded even amid hardships. Walling also pointed out a growing gap between traditional values and the future, stating that classroom learning and degrees alone are not enough to preserve identity. He stressed the need to build a bridge between tradition and the future by learning values from elders and focusing on “inside-out” development and inward formation.
Earlier, MYA President Takalong delivered the welcome note, while Repamongba, the first President of MYA, addressed the gathering. An exhortation was given by Imtisumak, Chairman of Marepkong Ward, and a Silver Jubilee souvenir was released during the programme.
During the jubilee, the MYA Silver Jubilee Resolution Committee presented three resolutions for adoption. These include the creation of a ‘Vision 2050’ Roadmap and Jubilee Endowment Fund by 2026 for sustainable development and financial self-reliance; a renewed focus on youth empowerment and leadership building through skill development, mentorship and community service; and strengthening civic engagement and institutional legacy through official registration, partnerships with government and civil society, and initiatives such as transforming Marepkong into a model ‘Green Ward’.
The resolutions, MYA stated, are aimed at ensuring that the association’s next 25 years are marked by sustainable growth, stronger leadership and deeper community impact.
