Barak Valley Naga youth honoured: MBBS grads, leaders, 80 students

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 14, 2025

In a vibrant show of pride, purpose, and community power, the All Assam Naga Welfare Society (AANWS) Barak Valley Zonal Committee, in collaboration with the All Assam Rongmei Naga Council (AARNC), hosted a high-energy educational and felicitation programme at Rani Gaidinliu Memorial Hall in Binnakandi (II) village, Cachar district on Sunday.

The event celebrated 80 students from the Naga community who cleared their HSLC and Higher Secondary exams in 2025. Adding to the pride, the gathering also honoured two MBBS graduates — Dr. Lungluan Reamei and Dr. Tripheana Rongmei — along with eight newly elected Panchayat leaders from the community, including R. Julia Rongmei (AP member), Achunnah Kamei, Lumthuilung Rongmei, Lucy Rongmei, and Neilaliu Panmei.

Presided over by Jengga Rongmei, Gaon Pradhan of Binnakandi, the event opened with a warm welcome from Powjeng Rongmei, president of AANWS Barak Valley Zone. He emphasized the organization’s mission to uplift the indigenous Naga communities through education, social reform, and cultural preservation.

Aboun Gangmei, general secretary of AARNC, laid out the core aim of the programme — to fuel educational ambition among marginalized tribal youth and to recognize those who excel despite systemic challenges. “These acts of recognition don’t just boost morale — they shape future leaders committed to community service and national progress,” he said.

The programme saw powerful addresses from top community figures and officials. chief guest Kilunteule Jeme, circle officer of Hailakandi Revenue Circle, called the initiative a model for grassroots change. Gopal Rongmei, vice president of the Barak Valley Hills Development Council, urged tribal bodies to push for better educational infrastructure in remote regions.

Gailim Rongmei, general secretary of the All Assam Tribal Sangha (Cachar), stressed tribal solidarity in safeguarding land, rights, and identity. Jamupao Kabui, Vice President of AANWS (CEC), emphasized education as a tool for tribal empowerment in democratic processes.

Other speakers included Gaithao Rongmei, adviser of AANWS (CEC), who encouraged youth to balance tradition with modern aspirations; Kabuiking Dahengmei, former president of the Rongmei Naga Students’ Union, who reminded students of the Rongmei community’s historic role in Assam; and youth leaders like Khengthai Rongmei and Mathudi Rongmei, who spoke on career readiness and giving back to society.

Students were awarded certificates and gifts as a token of appreciation, marking a memorable moment in their academic journeys and a proud day for the entire community.

The programme concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Anop Rongmei, general secretary of AANWS Barak Valley Zone, who appreciated the youth and women volunteers for their behind-the-scenes efforts. “This wasn’t just a programme — it was a movement for unity, inspiration, and change,” he said.

The event served as a compelling reminder of the growing educational and civic momentum within the Naga community in Assam’s Barak Valley — blending pride in heritage with a push for progress.