Ao Nagas have been encouraged to preserve and promote their language and literature and thus preserve their identity.
Speaking at the 4th Ao Senden Literature Board (ASLB) convocation on Friday at the Town Hall, Mokokchung, guest speaker, principal of Clark Theological College, Rev. Dr. Mar Pongen asserted that the strength and development of a nation was measured by the growth of literature. Therefore, he said it was the responsibility of every Ao citizen to preserve and promote Ao language and literature.
He also lamented that though there are many writers from Ao community there were shortage of readers who can read Ao language. Rev. Pongen then encouraged parents, leaders and institutions to play a role in inculcating the importance of language.
“Our mother tongue should not be made to disappear when the rest of the world are urging on the theme, back to culture”, he said. Rev. Pongen then encouraged Aos to make their mother tongue “the first and the last language”.
Addressing the graduates, he told them that pursuing of literature in one’s mother tongue was not only an academic achievement but also the preservation of one’s identity. On this occasion, 17 Ao renowned writers, authors, poets and lyricists (deceased and living personalities) whose works have contributed towards the growth of Ao literature were felicitated. Renowned members of the boy band, Samaro—Wati Jamir, Sakutemsu and Lima Imsong— were felicitated by the ASLB on the completion of 25 years in music. Altogether 91 graduated and the recipients of “Jemtimenba Mollier Foundation” for highest mark scorers from their respective classes are: Post Graduate Diploma 2016- Nungshienla; BA Diploma 2014-Meyalepden; BA Diploma 2015 -Easterna Supong; BA Diploma (5 yrs) 2016 -Asapokla Imsong; BA Diploma (3 yrs) 2016 –A Chubayanger Longkumer.
Earlier, short speeches were delivered by Ao Senden, president, C Angang Jamir and Ao Students Conference, president, Imkongwati while Sashimeren Jamir spoke on behalf of the graduates; special songs were presented by band Samaro and the students of jubilee memorial school.