‘Nagaland still lacks behind in many subjects beyond arts and humanities,’ says Imna Along

Morung Express news 
Kohima | January 10

Minister for Higher Education and Tourism, Government of Nagaland, Temjen Imna Along today said that human resource is the best asset of the society and called students to get educated with skills and humility needed to take the society forward. 

He was addressing the inaugural session of the 75th years anniversary of the Southern Angami Students’ Union (SASU) at Multi Purpose Hall, Tewetso-ozwü, Sweba, Viswema Village Kohima under the theme ‘Igniting Excellence’ on January 9. 

Minister Along observed that while education is the backbone of a society to let it move forward, our education has to progress and upgrade itself with changes. The Minister asserted that along with that it has to be accompanied by hardwork which has to inculcate in us qualities and strengths to build society around us. 

Pointing that there are many students pursuing arts and humanities streams, the Minister lamented that Nagaland still lacks behind in many other subjects beyond arts and humanities or in professional course required to make Nagaland strong and prosperous and vibrant. 

He said that the world is advancing in a very fast pace and further said that the state at the same time lack behind a lot of things including resources. 

While stating that, at present, the Chief minister of Nagaland and even the government of India is being very considerate and generous to the state in many areas with regard to funds and opportunities, Minister Along expressed that our people need to want to patronize and utilize those opportunities. 

He observed that Nagaland has a high literate number to boast but said the load of graduates and post graduates continue to remain idle by doing nothing. 

“Nagaland is one of the most literate state but we are still suffering because we have failed to upgrade. Our people are so frustrated and jobless,” he assured. 

He also mentioned the kind of mental tension and divisions our Naga society lives in which were creating more enmity and jealousy among each other in the society. 

“We all want to play football but don’t want to pass. We have forgotten that we are a team,” he underscored. 

The minister advised the young people to work with your hands and skills and reminded that times have evolved and said that an educated society is passionate about its goals.

Further calling to contribute to the betterment of the society, Minister Along called to search for agendas that will built our Nagaland. 

“We are at a threshold where we can be left behind or can struck ahead with the rest of the world.” 

Taking examples of the recently concluded Hornbill Festival, he asked the people to change mindset and expressed that it was not just for merry making or drinking rice beer but it was an opportunity to build network and partnership with corporates or states and countries at large. 

He said the students and young people are the future leaders of Nagaland and asked them to be strong in your patience, resilient in the agenda they built, to persevere, not speak back or take grudges and be welcoming in thoughts and spirit so as to become good stewards. 

The minister also said despite the advent of modern technology or artificial intelligence, traditions and customs have instead become the talk of the people. 

He lauded that in this area the Nagas and the tribes are doing well and urged the people to be proud of our traditions and culture. 

Further, he advised elders and seniors, each village be able to make coercive plan to sponsor bright or interested students into good coaching and make them appear competitive exams while adding that despite have a representative each in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, we need Naga representatives in bureaucracy and business outside Nagaland and create more opportunities for our younger generation. 

He said our people in central government authorities will increase our representation in the country. 

During the programme, the Minister said also announced that 3rd installment of the post matric scholarship will be disbursed by March, this year. 

Presidential Address was delivered by Letso Mekro, President, SASU. He acknowledged pioneers and leaders over the years for carrying the student body through different times. Mekro expressed how today, there were different Organization and Association however called to make SASU relevant to the change of time. 

While student community chase knowledge, he urged and pointed out on the pledge to care for natural endowments by preserving and conserving Dzükuo and Kezoltsa and Southern Angami Region in Generation. 

Speeches were delivered by Khriesamhalie David Mere, President, ASU and Er. Tepul Hopovi President, SAPO. Anniversary Choir, Khuzama Students’ Care Union, Deborah Hibo presented songs. Shürhovol Naleo, Convenor, Organizing Committee, chaired the programme. During the unveiling of Anniversary monolith, Sweyiesato Mekro, Convenor, Monolith Committee led the programme and Dedicatory Prayer was pronounced by Rev. Atha Neikha, Missions Director, ABCC.