The 44th general conference of the Asetkong Students' Conference underway at Kobulong, Mokokchung district.
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44th Asetkong Kaketshir Telongjem Mungdang general conference underway
KOBULONG — The 44th general conference of the Asetkong Kaketshir Telongjem Mungdang (AKTM) — Asetkong Students' Conference — commenced on January 7 at Kobulong, Mokokchung district, with Advisor for Labour & Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, and Excise, Moatoshi Longkumer, as the inaugural guest.
In his address, Longkumer highlighted the conference’s theme, ‘Pei Ketmung Ajanga Litetba Shisashir’ (Educated and financially independent), describing it not merely as a topic for deliberation but as a clear roadmap for life.
He emphasised that no nation, community, or individual achieves strength by chance. True power, he said, is built gradually through persistent effort, unwavering focus, and disciplined progress.
“The flame of strength always begins with a small spark,” he remarked.
Drawing inspiration from the remarkable post-war economic rise of Japan and South Korea — nations that transformed themselves despite limited natural resources — Longkumer called upon the student community to invest in discipline, quality education, and collective determination to build a self-reliant society.
His key message to the youth was clear and direct, “Wait to become powerful before acting.”
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He clarified that self-reliance is not measured by the size of one’s wealth, but by the strength of one’s mindset. He urged the delegates to take ownership of their future by acquiring skills, fostering entrepreneurship, and rejecting dependency.
“A truly self-reliant student,” he asserted, “is not the one who waits for ideal conditions, but the one who prepares and acts even when circumstances are far from perfect.”
Longkumer further encouraged the students to become thoughtful intellectuals who recognise that the efforts made today pave the way for freedom tomorrow. He envisioned them emerging as self-reliant individuals capable of creating an ecosystem that nurtures an entire self-reliant society.
Turning to the ongoing sports meet, he stressed that sports events must serve a greater purpose: identifying talent, raising performance standards, and preparing athletes to compete at district, state, and national levels.
He underscored the transformative power of sports when pursued with seriousness and dedication.
“Sports build discipline, respect for rules, teamwork, and resilience,” he said, adding that these very qualities produce not only skilled athletes but also strong leaders, competent professionals, and responsible citizens.
He described sports as one of the vital branches leading toward self-reliance, shaping individuals who embody the values necessary for personal and societal progress.
The inaugural session also featured brief addresses by Vitolu, EAC Kobulong, and Takatemejen Pongen, EAC Kiphire.