Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, OCT 2 (NPN): The Ungma Senso Telongjem Dimapur (USTD) marked its golden jubilee, commemorating 50 years of the organisation since its establishment in 1976, with a celebration held at Senden Riju, Purana Bazar, Dimapur, on Friday.
The celebration was held under the theme “Terajem Loki Mera”, bringing together members of the Ungma community and representatives of various Ao organisations to mark the milestone and reflect on the organisation’s journey and its role in community welfare.
Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer was the chief guest, while Water Resources Department advisor Tongpang Ozukum was the guest of honour.
Addressing the gathering, Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer said Nagaland’s youth constituted a significant part of the population and possessed considerable potential, energy and talent. However, he noted that many young people continued to face challenges related to career guidance, employment opportunities and direction.
He stressed the need for human resource development and said the younger generation should be guided towards skill-based, data-driven and diversified career paths beyond traditional government employment.
He also highlighted the changing aspirations of Generation Z and Gen Alpha, saying they would play an important role in shaping the future economy and society.
Sharingain said leaders, mentors and elders had a responsibility to support, guide and empower young people to build a secure and prosperous future.
He also called for a clear collective vision for the community as the USTD looks ahead to its 75th anniversary.
Advisor Tongpang Ozukum stressed that meaningful change in society begins with individual responsibility and small but sustained efforts. He said discussions on politics, business and social development alone could not bring progress, and emphasised the need for practical implementation and dedicated work. He urged people not to depend solely on government leaders or external organisations to address societal challenges, but to take ownership of their responsibilities within families, communities and institutions. Ozukum called for collective efforts, integrity and a commitment towards the welfare and betterment of the people and the region.
Former chief minister of Nagaland and former Governor of Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat and Odisha, Dr S.C. Jamir, also extended greetings on the occasion. He spoke on the concept of “Temelenshi” and the changes taking place in people’s lifestyles, behaviour and ways of living. Dr Jamir encouraged the community to embrace change while moving forward with a common mindset and purpose, stressing the importance of collective progress and unity.
Speaking on the occasion, State Election Commissioner Nagaland, T. John Longkumer, highlighted the historical significance of Ungma in Ao history and the spread of Christianity. He described Ungma as an important centre of Ao traditional history and customary laws, and recalled the village’s role in the early acceptance of Christianity and its subsequent growth in the Ao region.
He further stressed that societal development takes place step by step across generations, and said milestones such as the golden jubilee of USTD represented another step towards the progress of the community. He expressed hope that the leadership from Ungma would continue contributing to the social, political and spiritual development of the Ao community.
Greetings were also extended by Tatar, Ungma Village Council, Nungsangmeren Jamir; president, Ongpangkong Senso Telongjem Dimapur (OSTD), T. Benjong Longchar; and vice-president, Ungma Senso Telongjem Kohima, Imkongsowa Jamir. The programme also featured a special jubilee song by Tiameren Aier.
Former USTD president Er. Tsuknung Jamir, in his address, said God had blessed the community with strength and educated individuals, and urged them to use these blessings to work together and bring positive change.
The jubilee souvenir was jointly released by Lipokmeren C. Longkumer, convenor of the souvenir committee and Sharingain, Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. An appreciation segment was conducted by convenor, Atsudenla, acknowledging the contributions of individuals associated with the organisation and the jubilee celebration.
Earlier, delivering the welcome address, USTD president Repasosang extended greetings to the gathering and highlighted the significance of completing five decades.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by convenor, Planning Committee, Imnatoshi Longkumer, followed by a closing prayer.
The programme commenced with a prayer offered by pastor Marnungba longkumer of Mangimen Baptist Arogo, giving thanks to God for his blessings and guidance throughout the past 50 years and seeking His continued blessings, grace, and guidance as the jubilee was celebrated. This was followed by the Bible reading and invocation by home missionary USTD, Rev. Manen Longkumer, and the singing of the jubilee song, “Jubilee Küm.”
The programme also featured a jubilee-related poem by Meyisangla Jamir and a special presentation by the Wasomung choir.