Ongpangkong Kaketshir Mungdang launches ‘Mission Vision-2045’

MOKOKCHUNG — In a visionary step toward fostering self-reliance and educational equity, the Ongpangkong Kaketshir Mungdang (OKM) unveiled its ambitious ‘Mission Vision-2045’ on Saturday at Ongpangkong Salang.

With the theme ‘Shisashin Motsüngnem’ (The repository for students), the initiative was launched in the presence of Marsanen Imsong, president of Ao Senden, the guest of honour.

This long-term welfare programme was resolved during the 39th OKM general conference at Kupza village in 2024, marking a 20-year commitment starting 2025, to provide financial aid to deserving students from villages across the Ongpangkong Range.

The Mission Vision-2045 is designed to bridge financial gaps for industrious yet underprivileged youth, ensuring they can pursue higher education without barriers.

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Funded entirely through contributions from OKM members, the programme will disburse INR 50,000 each to two deserving students annually from every Ongpangkong village. Selection will be handled by respective village students' unions following rigorous verification of need and merit, emphasizing transparency and community involvement.

Kicking off the awards for 2025, OKM honoured two outstanding recipients — Moarenba Jamir from Ungma village who is pursuing a BA 1st semester (Honours in Economics) at Kohima College; and Etidangla from Mangmetong Village, enrolled in BA 3rd semester (Honours in Chemistry) at Fazl Ali College. The next round of support is slated for July 2026, targeting students from Khensa and Mokuli villages.

To ensure the programme's longevity, OKM has instituted a sustainable funding mechanism. Every member aged 18 and above is required to contribute the equivalent of one day's wage annually.

Marsanen Imsong, in his keynote address, hailed the initiative as a “noble and blessed venture” that transcends OKM's boundaries to uplift all Nagas. “Although started by OKM, this is ultimately for the benefit of our entire community,” he said, expressing gratitude to Ongpangkong's citizens for their visionary collective effort.

To the beneficiaries, he urged introspection on personal purpose. “Each one of us has been given a purpose. Those who understand it and work diligently toward it will surely be blessed by God,” he said.

Delving into the theme ‘Shisashin Motsüngnem,’ Imsong addressed the scourge of “educated unemployment” plaguing Naga youth, which often breeds discouragement.

“In today's context, when many speak of the educated unemployed, it leads to despair,” he observed. “But our education is just formal—neglecting technical and skill-based learning prevents us from achieving our goals and the market job demand. Not everyone can crack competitive exams, so we must become skill-oriented. Otherwise, even with degrees, our education won't serve its purpose,” he remarked.

Lanutoshi Aier, president of Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM), complemented the launch with practical recommendations in his exhortation. He advocated integrating a mentorship programme alongside financial aid, noting, “Mentorship in all walks of life would help fulfil the Mission Vision we aspire to achieve.”

To amplify impact, Aier suggested registering Mission Vision-2045 as a society, unlocking access to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds.

Tongpangmangyang Kichu, OKM president, delivered the welcome address and Aso Imsong, convenor of OKM Mission Vision-2045, presented the mission's objectives and facilitated the award ceremony.  Alemtoshi Imsong, president of Ongpangkong Mungdang (Ongpangkong Conference), also spoke on the occasion.