Abu Metha addressing the 4th ‘EduConnect: Connecting Education to Opportunities’ held at the Integrated Business Hub and Innovation Centre in Dimapur, on May 15. (DIPR Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | May 15
The modern definition of being uneducated applies not to those who cannot read and write, but to those unable to utilise modern technology, Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) Chairperson Abu Metha said.
Metha was delivering the keynote address at the 4th ‘EduConnect: Connecting Education to Opportunities,’ at the Integrated Business Hub and Innovation Centre in Dimapur, on May 15. The two-day event is organised by IDAN in collaboration with Cryptex Solo. According to the IDAN's, EduConnect has been its flagship annual event since 2022, consistently drawing over 2,000 students annually for talent discovery and outreach.
This year, the platform features participation from over 20 institutions across India representing diverse streams such as engineering, management, law, nursing, hospitality, agriculture biotechnology, journalism, and film. Key highlights of the event include direct interaction between students and institutional representatives; guidance on admissions, scholarships, and career pathways; and insights into campus life, placements, and future prospects.
Terming adapting to rapid global changes as a necessity, Metha insisted that a student must constantly absorb knowledge to remain competitive. “Information is now available to every human being on every continent in every corner. Use the tools of technology to empower yourself, to educate yourself, and to strengthen yourself,” Metha said.
Observing a shift in career paradigms, Metha noted that while previous generations considered engineering, medicine, and government service as the primary markers of success, modern students have access to hundreds of viable professions. He urged students to excel in their chosen fields and eventually return to contribute to state and nation-building.
The programme was live-streamed to all 16 districts. Additional Secretary for Finance and IDAN, Vineet Kumar highlighted the transition students face after completing classes 10 and 12, noting they must now take responsibility for their own career trajectories. Kumar advised students to evaluate three specific criteria when selecting a degree— personal interest, alignment with geographical and personal life goals, and the future viability of the chosen field. “The world is changing very fast, so we have to understand which courses, which degrees would be relevant even in the future,” Kumar said. He encouraged attendees to maximise their interactions with the visiting institutions to make informed academic decisions.
Cryptex Solo Founder Aakash Baishya stated the program bridges the gap between aspiring students and national educational institutions. He acknowledged the institute representatives who traveled across India to provide this interaction. “Nagaland has got immense talent, creativity, potential, and with the right opportunities and guidance, the youth of this region can achieve remarkable success in academics, education and media, technology, hospitality, fashion, and many sectors,” Baishya noted.
