Longsa, January 11 (MExN): Lion’s Club Longsa, which is one of the oldest clubs in Mokokchung district, celebrated its 75th year anniversary at its office premises here on January 11 which was attended by MLA & Advisor to CM, Merentoshi R Jamir as the guest of honor and a host of dignitaries.
The Lion’s Club Longsa, which was established way back in 1942, by youths of Longsa Sangpu Mepu (Khel) predominantly as a sports club, went on to become one of the most active clubs in the village involving in different activities like social, economic, religious and educational fields.
Today’s Platinum Jubilee celebration witnessed an array of activities that traced back the origin of the club, its growth during the sixties and seventies, and the present day. It was also an occasion to remember the contributions of the pioneers, paying tribute to the departed souls and adopting a three-point resolution to march ahead beyond the 75th year anniversary.
The main speaker at the programme, ex-MLA S Supongmeren Jamir speaking on the topic ‘progress of young generation’, urged the youths to look towards economic self-sustenance through hard work and harnessing the rich natural resources. In this regard, he pointed out that the land has sufficient resources for those work hard, for instance like collecting and exporting the broom grass, plantain leaves, or rearing livestock etc. Nonetheless, he called for judicious use of the natural resources and called preserving the rich biodiversity. Besides, he also urged the youths to kick off the habit of laziness, abuse of alcohol etc so that the Longsa village can become more vibrant by the time Lion’s Club celebrate its centenary year.
Guest of honour, Merentoshi R Jamir also exhorted the Longsa villagers to maintain the spirit of unity like before so that the village can witness more development in the days to come. He also acknowledged the Sangpu khel for producing eminent personalities in the stature of two ex-MLAs, bureaucrats, doctor engineers, artists etc. He attributed all this blessings on the Sangpu khel as blessings from God because of the astute character of the forebears. He therefore urged the youths to emulate the truthful an honest character of our forefathers so that God would bless more. Also while underscoring the importance of culture and tradition, Merentoshi said that clubs in the village can be equated with the Morung system of the past days, the only different being that Clubs mostly focus on sports and entertainment. He, therefore, suggested that it would be good if the clubs can also be a centre for teaching about culture and traditions to the younger generation in the society.
Others who poke at the programme were Longsa VC Chairman, Pongenmeren, ex-MLA Aolepden and retired Addl Dev Comm. Dr Temsuwati. A special number was presented by 2014 Naga Orpheus Hunt winner, Meyinungsang while Sangpu Lemtuongerna yimsüsür presented a traditional song. Meritorious achievers in different fields like music, arts and academics were also felicitated by the Lion’s Club on the occasion of its Platinum jubilee celebration.
