When this newspaper first hit the stands about ten days ago, we began with the deep conviction about our human resource potential. We were able to tap a vast pool of young talent with a belief in their capabilities and in the hope to nurture a self-reliant society. In an era of stiff competition, success can only be achieved if one makes the right moves at the right time and in the right direction. While we lecture about paradigm shifts for the younger generation in terms of attitude, belief, self image and work habits, we should also keep in mind that in our developing society, the political and social transition has not been an easy one and the youths in particular have been caught in this ‘quagmire’, leading to rootless ness and demoralization. Such is the constraints that have been imposed on them, so much so that most of them had become dependent on the government for providing employment avenues.
Surely, we need to exploit the large number of opportunities available for employment, outside of this sector. To fully realize its human potential, Naga youth need to get rid of their aversion to working outside the borders of the State and go out to the vast field of activity that is waiting to be explored. People in the past were critical of the ‘Brain Drain’ phenomenon and complained that tax payer’s money were being spent to send the highly trained manpower to benefit countries of America and Europe. But this is two-way traffic and only now the realization is dawning with people talking of ‘Brain Gain’. To cite an instance, the NRIs and People of Indian Origin (PIO) are now contributing significantly to the economic recovery of the country. The Chinese and Jewish communities have also reaped the ‘fortunes’ of their human resource by being exposed to the global market and economy.
Whether it is fashion designing, sporting activities, computer engineering, music, media & communications etc, Generation Next must now set higher standards and make efforts to succeed in a competitive environment where they can sharpen their ‘skills’ and take note of the emerging global market and economy. One emerging fashion designer said that her big ambition was to take part in the ‘Lakme India Fashion Week’, and was determined to make the grade. She had hoped to ‘catch the eye’ of retailers and fashion houses from Europe so that she could sell Naga ethnic designs abroad.
Similarly, in other fields also, young people need to ‘graduate’ and move into a higher level of performance so that they are not left behind in the race towards excellence. In this regard, Naga Archer, Chukrovolu Swuro can be seen as a role-model. She knows that only by competing with the best and at the highest level, will she realize her full potential. Similarly, the world over, young achievers with sheer perseverance have placed their respective countries and society on the global map. The Naga youth too must ‘open’ their eyes to the endless possibility that awaits them.
