Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, NOV 6 (NPN): Lengrijan celebrated its Centenary Jubilee under the theme, “Celebrating Our Past, Exploring Our Possibilities,” on Friday at Lengrijan Ground, marking 100 years since its establishment in 1926.
Addressing the gathering as special guest, advisor for Labour & Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Excise, Moatoshi Longkumer described the centenary as a “once-in-a-lifetime milestone” and said Lengrijan had not only survived a century but had grown, adapted and contributed significantly over the years.
He thanked God for allowing the present generation to witness the historic occasion and paid tribute to the pioneers who laid the foundation of the village and guided it through difficult times with their sweat, tears and sacrifices.
Looking ahead, Longkumer said the responsibility of shaping Lengrijan’s next hundred years rested with the present generation, particularly the youth. He envisioned a peaceful and progressive settlement equipped with modern amenities, good roads, and reliable water and power supply. However, he stressed that such aspirations could only be realised through unity, urging people to set aside personal differences and self-interest.
Expressing his deep sense of belonging to the community, Longkumer thanked the people of Lengrijan for their continued trust, support and encouragement. He said the development of Lengrijan had always remained a key priority within his constituency and assured the residents that he would continue to treat its progress as a personal responsibility.
He also emphasised that the relationship between a public representative and the community should be built on accessibility, service, trust and consistent engagement rather than being confined to election periods.
Concluding his address, Longkumer urged the gathering to honour the past without becoming prisoners of it, uphold traditions while embracing new opportunities, and inspire the younger generation to pursue their ambitions without forgetting their roots.
Earlier, special invitee and advisor for Transport & Technical Education, Temjenmenba, released the commemorative souvenir and highlighted the village’s history and formation. He said Lengrijan had continued to thrive because of its unity, peaceful coexistence, hard work and strong sense of belonging.
Describing love and peaceful coexistence as the essence of the centenary celebration, he encouraged residents to preserve the values and traditions inherited from their forefathers while adapting to a rapidly changing world. He cautioned that in the pursuit of economic and technological advancement, Nagas should not lose sight of the values that had sustained their communities.
Addressing the youth, Temjenmenba urged them to work hard with determination, respect their elders and uphold their traditions. He also cautioned against supporting wrongdoers, warning that such tendencies could undermine the civility of society, and called for greater responsibility in pursuing positive change.
Delivering the theme address, principal of Christian Higher Secondary School, Moa Walling, described the centenary as both a celebration and a moment of reflection. He said a jubilee was not merely an occasion to commemorate the past but also an opportunity to renew commitments and explore future possibilities.
Walling said the occasion was a time to honour the village founders, thank God for His faithfulness, learn from the past and strengthen unity in the present. Emphasising the need for a change in mindset, he stressed that the peaceful coexistence of different communities in Lengrijan must be preserved, adding that a divided society could not progress effectively.
He described the centenary celebration as an ideal time to let go of past differences and embrace reconciliation. According to him, the greatest legacy the present generation could leave behind was not material wealth but strong character, opportunities and a shared vision.
Urging the community to look beyond the centenary celebrations, Walling encouraged residents to begin envisioning what Lengrijan should become over the next 25 years. He concluded his speech with a quote by Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
Prior to the formal programme, the centenary monolith was unveiled by Moatoshi Longkumer and dedicated through a prayer offered by senior pastor of Grace Covenant Church, Rev. Kekriesito Savino.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Dr. Imnuksungla Pongen, while Lengrijan Village Council chairman T. Anung Pongen delivered the welcome address. Short speeches were also delivered by DMC councillor Yimkumba Kichu and Deputy Commissioner Dimapur Dr. Tinojongshi Chang.
Special presentations were made by DABA Sumedem Choir and Moajungla Jamir. Acknowledgement was proposed by convener of the Centenary Planning and Fund Raising Committee, A. Taku Longkumer, while the programme concluded with a benediction by president of the Council of Baptist Churches in North East India, Rev. Dr. Lima Jamir.