Officials, dignitaries, and student recipients of the OKM Mission Vision 2045 pose for a group photograph after the launch programme held at Ongpangkong Salang, Mokokchung, on October 26. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | October 26
The Ongpangkong Kaketshir Mungdang (OKM) on October 26 launched its educational initiative, ‘Mission Vision 2045’, during a programme held at Ongpangkong Salang, Mokokchung. Marsanen Imsong, President of Ao Senden, graced the occasion as the guest of honour.
Aso Imsong, Convenor of OKM Mission Vision-2045, explained that the initiative stemmed from a resolution adopted during the OKM Küpza General Conference 2024. As the OKM marks over six decades of existence, he said the organisation aims to shift focus from celebrating success to supporting students during their educational journey.
Funded through contributions from all OKM members, the project will run from 2025 to 2045 and provide financial assistance to deserving students from every Ongpangkong village pursuing higher education. Under the scheme, two students from each village will receive Rs. 50,000 each as support.
Aso Imsong recalled that in the 1940s, a young Ongpangkong student, (Late) N. I. Jamir, IAS (Retd), once received community support and went on to contribute significantly to society. “We hope this initiative will inspire more individuals like Jamir—people who will uplift not only Ongpangkong but also the wider community,” he said.
For 2025, the first beneficiaries are Etidangla, BSc 3rd semester (Chemistry Honours) from Mangmetong, and Moarenba Jamir, BA 1st semester (Economics Honours) from Ungma. In 2026, the Khensa Students’ Union and Meküli Students’ Union will receive the grants.
In his address, guest of honour Marsanen Imsong praised OKM for initiating a “noble and blessed venture,” describing Ongpangkong as “the father of the Aos.” He said that while the initiative was launched by OKM, its impact would extend to all Nagas. Expressing gratitude to the citizens of Ongpangkong for their collective vision, he hoped the project would yield “meaningful fruits” in the years ahead.
Addressing students, he urged them to reflect on their purpose in life. “Each one of us has been given a purpose,” he said. “Those who understand their purpose and work diligently toward it will surely be blessed by God.” He reminded the gathering that success comes through hard work and perseverance, not luck.
Speaking on the theme “Shisashin Motsüngnem” (The Repository for Students), Marsanen said the programme was a blessing at a time when concerns about “educated unemployment” are growing. He emphasized the importance of technical and skill-based education alongside formal studies, stating that “not everyone can pass competitive exams, so we must become skill-oriented.”
Highlighting the need for self-reliance, he warned that depopulation could become a serious concern without sustainable opportunities. He called for a clear development roadmap for the Ao region, suggesting collaboration with the private sector through joint ventures to promote employment and economic growth.
Earlier, Tongpangmangyang Kichu, President of Ongpangkong Kaketshir Mungdang, delivered the welcome address, while exhortations were given by Lanutoshi Aier, President of Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM), and Alemtoshi Imsong, President of Ongpangkong Mungdang (OM).
