CM Neiphiu Rio. (File Photo)
KOHIMA, DECEMBER 14 (MExN): Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio today stated that it has now become a “fashion for young people to criticize the Government,” and said that “instead of putting our full energy into criticizing the government some youthful energy should also be used to encourage each other and march together hand in hand.”
He was virtually addressing the All Nagaland College Students’ Union’s (ANCSU) ‘E-Collegiate Meet cum Beat Contest, 2020’ hosted by the Government Polytechnic Kohima.
Referring to the event’s theme ‘Beyond,’ the Chief Minister encouraged the young people to “strive to excel and go beyond the limits that have been set by society and by ourselves in the past.”
“In today’s competitive world, it is a fact that just a mere academic excellence is not going to take you far and there is a need to go much beyond the normal educational curriculum and place more focus on other skill developments such as sports, music, art, literature etc,” Rio noted.
The CM meanwhile lamented that due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, online education system has come in a big way to replace conventional learning methods. He however asserted that online education cannot fully replace the experience that one gets in colleges and students’ learning have been heavily affected.
“Today, we are living in the knowledge age and knowledge economy and those states or countries having the most accumulated or applied knowledge will be considered as more advanced,” Rio stated.
He therefore said there is a need to acquire as much knowledge as possible and prepare to compete globally.
The CM meanwhile congratulated the ANCSU for their contributions to society. He stated that the union “is a disciplined and progressive body that has promoted the cause of students’ welfare for several years.” “I am sure that as an important student organization, ANCSU will continue to have strong grounding principles to guide your members and help our State in the years to come,” he encouraged.
The CM added that the present government is committed to bring changes in every sphere of life and the “top most priority is given to areas where positive changes can be brought out to affect the lives of young people.”
“The government is aware that lot of infrastructure developments and reforms in social and economic sector have to be taken up to bring our State at par with other developed States in the shortest possible time. The Government is also listening to the voice of the youth which includes the desire to live in a developed and prosperous Nagaland and every effort is being made to improve the welfare of the youth,” he assured.
Earlier, the inaugural programme was graced by Medo Yhokha, Advisor, Technical Education and Election, as the inaugural guest. The meet is being held with the CM as the chief host; Temjen Imna Along, Minister for Higher Education and Tribal Affairs as host; and Er Zale Neikha, Advisor, Youth Resources and Sports as host.
Er Zale Neikha said students should be given optimum opportunity to develop their attitude, skills and knowledge to understand and participate in the globally connected world.
Advisor Medo Yhokha meanwhile said that people of the State have to take responsibilities and challenges with new perspective and proper orientations “so that we can ensure a better society for the future.”
The program was chaired by Toito D Chishi, Speaker, ANCSU. Er Keyiekhru Rhutso, Principal, Government Polytechnic Kohima pronounced the welcome address. Invocation was delivered by Atho Sothu, Associate Pastor, Lerie Baptist Church and two special songs were presented by Government Polytechnic and Runole Tep. President ANCSU, Vimeyiekho Vitso delivered the presidential address.
The first day of the event saw the beat contest, photography, online chess, football freestyle challenge, basketball freestyle challenge, original song competition and folk fusion. The programme was attended by representatives from colleges, senior ANCSU leaders, Naga Students’ Federation, Angami Youth Organization and a host of dignitaries.
