NLA Speaker Sharingain Longkumer releases the Golden Jubilee Souvenir of the Gorkha Union Mokokchung during its 50th anniversary celebration at the Town Hall, Mokokchung, on December 16. (Morung Photo)
Gorkha Union Mokokchung celebrates golden jubilee
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | December 16
Calling upon communities to move forward with a shared vision and collective strength, Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Sharingain Longkumer, on Tuesday urged all sections of society to work together towards building a “Viksit Mokokchung 2047” as the Gorkha Union Mokokchung (GUM) celebrated its Golden Jubilee at the Town Hall, Mokokchung under the theme “Adapt and Move Forward.”
Addressing the gathering as the special guest, Longkumer said the 50-year journey of the Gorkha Union symbolised much more than an organisational milestone, noting that the presence of the Gorkha community in Mokokchung dates back over 150 years. He stated that while the Union marks 50 years since its formation in 1975, the community itself has been celebrating together as one family for nearly 154 years.
Acknowledging senior members, surviving family members of pioneers and founders, and younger generations, the Speaker described the occasion as a rare moment to commemorate shared history, legacy and unity. He recalled that many members of the Gorkha community were contemporaries of his father and forefathers, and credited the community for its role in shaping Mokokchung town through skilled labour, infrastructure development and social integration.
Longkumer highlighted the contribution of the Gorkha community in masonry, carpentry, education, sports, arts and government service, stating that their skills and strong social networks helped build not only Mokokchung, but also towns like Zunheboto and Kohima. He remarked that the community’s adaptability and willingness to integrate with local culture and traditions had strengthened unity and progress over the decades.
Emphasising the need to look ahead, the Speaker linked local aspirations with the national vision of a developed India by 2047. Referring to the Prime Minister’s call for “Viksit Bharat 2047,” he said similar collective thinking was required at the district and constituency levels, calling for “Viksit Mokokchung 2047” and “Viksit 26 Aonglenden Assembly Constituency 2047.”
Stressing that development could not be achieved in isolation, Longkumer said reduced employment opportunities in the government sector made it imperative to focus on entrepreneurship, skill development, industrialisation and employment generation. He urged communities to combine their strengths, social networks and ideas to address challenges related to livelihood and economic growth.
Observing that the population of the Gorkha community may have declined over the years but not its spirit, he encouraged elders, youth, community leaders and organisations to actively contribute ideas and participate in shaping a common future. “We have grown together, adapted together, and we must move forward together,” he said, underlining the importance of unity in diversity.
Earlier, Sanjay Rai, retired Director, spoke on the significance of the day, tracing the roots of the Gorkha community in Mokokchung to the late 1800s and highlighting their contributions in education, public service, sports and social work. Short speeches were also delivered by Ajit Kumar Verma, IAS, Deputy Commissioner Mokokchung; Imtipokyim, General Secretary Ao Senden; and Nobin Pradhan, President, Nagaland Gorkha Association.
The Golden Jubilee programme featured folk dances, felicitation of past and present GUM officials and distinguished persons, release of the Jubilee Souvenir by Prof. Rev. K. Dhanbir Rai, and the opening of an exhibition.
