In a solemn yet inspiring gathering that paid tribute to the life, vision, and enduring intellectual legacy of one of Nagaland’s most distinguished academicians, the North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR), Peace Centre, 7th Mile, successfully organized the Prof. A. LanunungsangAo Memorial Lecture 2026 on 13th April 2026 at 10:00 AM. The event brought together academicians, students, dignitaries, and members of the family of Late Prof. A. LanunungsangAo to honour his remarkable contributions to education, scholarship, peace-building, and social transformation.
The programme was graced by Shri Apok Jamir, Working President of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee and former Member of Parliament, MLA, and Minister, Government of Nagaland, who served as the Special Guest and delivered the Memorial Lecture.
The programme commenced with an invocation by Rev. Fr. G. L. Khing, Vice-Principal, NEISSR, invoking blessings for the success of the event. The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Fr. C. P. Anto, Principal, who warmly welcomed the Chief Guest, members of the family, faculty, students, and distinguished guests, and paid rich tribute to A. LanunungsangAo, describing him as a visionary teacher, scholar, and institution builder whose legacy continues to guide NEISSR. He highlighted Prof. Ao’s lifelong dedication to teaching, research, academic writing, mentorship, and his pivotal role in the establishment and growth of the institution.
Delivering the Memorial Lecture, Shri Apok Jamir described Late Prof. Ao as a “teacher of conscience” who inspired generations to think critically and act responsibly. He spoke about the growing challenge of fear psychosis in society and urged the youth to overcome fear and uphold truth with courage and integrity, emphasizing that democracy thrives only when freedom of expression is protected.
He further reflected on Prof. Ao’s intellectual ideas, highlighting the “bullet and currency” challenges, where violence destroys life while overdependence on money weakens dignity and self-reliance. Stressing the importance of economic sovereignty alongside political sovereignty, he called for responsible citizenship rooted in values.
He elaborated on the concept of active peace, emphasizing that peace must go beyond the absence of conflict and be built through understanding, reconciliation, and collective social responsibility. He also urged students to apply their education to address pressing issues such as water scarcity in Kohima, unemployment in Dimapur, and environmental degradation in Nagaland.
Encouraging the youth, he emphasized the importance of balancing rooted identity with global knowledge and stated that “excellence is the highest form of patriotism.” He concluded by reminding students that education is a transformative tool and urged them to carry forward Prof. Ao’s legacy through meaningful action.
A heartfelt message on behalf of the family was delivered by Mr. Merenkokba M. Walling, who reflected on Prof. Ao’s life as a loving father and grandfather and highlighted his enduring values of peace, research, and dialogue.
The programme was chaired by Dr. Lily Sangpuii, Assistant Professor, NEISSR. The biography of Prof. Ao was presented by Mr. VizosuKikhi, Assistant Professor, NEISSR. The vote of thanks was delivered by Rev. Fr. G. L. Khing, Vice Principal.
The programme concluded with a renewed commitment from all participants to uphold the legacy of Late Prof. A. LanunungsangAo by fostering education, peace-building, and social transformation.
https://morungexpress.com/neissr-honours-prof-lanunungsang-ao-at-memorial-lecture-2026
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