Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu and others during 6th Erudite Fest 2026 of St. Joseph's College (Autonomous), Jakhama on November 14. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 14
Nagaland Science & Technology Department Advisor Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu on Saturday asserted that education alone in the present world does not guarantee a job unless it is club-up with skill development.
“Those who are skilled and educated can land up in a secured job,” Azo said while addressing 6th Erudite Fest 2026 of the St. Joseph's College (Autonomous), Jakhama.
In this, Azo stressed on the need to have extra- curricular activities and skill development in every college and school.
“Today, we can see that those who are highly qualified become jobless but those who are willing to take challenges, be it matriculate or PU are being employed and doing so well,” Azo said.
Today, he said, we need to be educated but at the same time, to land in a secured job, it is far better to be equipped with skill development.
‘Embrace challenge and overcome difficulties’
“We live in an era of unprecedented comfort, digital ease and convenience and privileges built through the sweat, blood and sacrifice of our forefathers,” Azo said adding that “with comfort comes danger it tempts us to avoid struggle, leading to complacency.”
Azo stressed on the need to embrace the challenge and overcome difficulties in order to shine in life.
Stating that challenges are not obstacles mean to “defeat us” but necessary tools designed to shape us,” he said “When you choose discipline over distraction, when you step up to lead instead of merely complaining and when you take the harder, principled and discipline road, you actively break that cycle of decline and you ultimately find success and leave behind a secured future for your future generations to inherit.
He urged upon the students not to spend their energy sitting in judgment of their leaders, mentors or elders while navigating their academic journeys, competitions and future careers.
“It is easy to criticize from the sidelines. It takes courage to build,” he said. The scriptures remind us, "Judge not, and you shall not be judged," and also it reminds us that "A man will reaps what he sows,” he said.
The integrity, discipline and effort you sow today will determine the harvest our community reaps tomorrow, he said.
“Embrace the challenge and stand upright as a strong generation our society needs,” Azo said.
‘Wish for the strength’
“Do not wish for an easy life. Wish for the strength to endure difficult ones,” Azo told the students and asked them to compete with honour and stand firm, and not to retreat whenever hardship knocks at their door.
To become a self-made human, he said, it requires walking through adversity, challenges, and not running away from it.
The Erudite Fest 2026, held under the theme “The Higher Quest: Beyond degrees, inspiring excellence” is a celebration of knowledge, creativity and it provides platform for expressing ideas, discovering hidden talents and grow beyond the boundary of conventional classroom learning.
Earlier, Dr. Fr. George Keduolhou Angami, Principal, St. Joseph's College (Autonomous), Jakhama delivered welcome address while Rev. Fr. Vipral John, PG Coordinator, St. Joseph's College invoked God’s blessings.
Kepozo Kapuh, Kevingunuo Kire, Medeminba Longkumer, and Lecheo Koza compered the programme. Vote of thanks was proposed by Zavino Thapru and Zesitonu Tsukru.
Erudite 2026 winners
Documentary: 1st Nirvana, 2nd- Luminar
Declamation: 1st Angshai Konyak (Invictus), 2nd- Menülü Ngoi (Luminar)
Painting: 1st Mharoni R. Kikon (Phoenix), 2nd- Zuben P Jungio (Nirvana)
Computer Typing: 1st Imsubenla I. Kichu (Phoenix), 2nd- Tinumetongla Aier (Renaissance)
Essay: 1st Temsusongla (Phoenix), 2nd- Shelinok Jimomi (Odyssey)
Acapella: 1st Invictus, 2nd- Nirvana
Debate: 1st Against the Motion
Best Debater (Motion) - Kevin Kath (Renaissance)
Best Debater (Against) - Kepozo Kapuh (Renaissance)
Extempore Speech: 1st Kepozo Kapuh (Renaissance), 2nd- Akhedy (Luminar)
Talent Show: 1st Veluno Thongru & Akash Kaxa, 2nd- DJ Denjoy (Rhythm & Poetry)
Arrows Arena Live Tournament Winners - Rovilhoukhono (MA 3rd Semester, English), Nyanbeni (MA 3rd Semester, English) and Neitho-o Thami (MA 3rd Semester, English)
Overall champion: Team Renaissance.
