Rio urges student community to pursue quality education

United Sangtam Students Conference turns 75

LONGKHIM, DECEMBER 16 (MExN): Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Saturday urged the student community to pursue quality education, emphasizing the importance of discipline and hard work in achieving personal goals. 

Addressing the 75th anniversary celebration of the United Sangtam Students Conference (USSC) at public ground, Longkhim town, Rio touched upon the state's literacy rate, surpassing the national average at 80%, with Mon district in the ENPO area having the lowest percentage, a DIPR report stated. 

Comparing results between government and private schools, Rio urged collective responsibility, stating that not only the concerned departments and teachers but also tribal hohos, village councils, village leaders, and student leaders should actively contribute to improving educational outcomes.

The Chief Minister also assured efforts to elevate Tuensang district and bring Mon district on par with state level standards in various sectors.

Touching on the significance of the 75th anniversary milestone, Rio paid tribute to the pioneers and present leaders, recognizing their vision that education is the key to a better future. He highlighted the sacrifices and hardships endured in establishing USSC, emphasizing the Sangtam tribe's prominent role in various activities within the ENPO area.

Towards this, Rio urged reflection on the past and present during such celebratory anniversaries, emphasizing the need for re-dedication to values of brotherhood, unity, and peaceful coexistence. He encouraged the transformation of Nagas, historically known as brave warriors and headhunters, into peace warriors aligning with Christian principles.

As part of the celebration, Rio unveiled a monolith and unfurled the USSC flag. The event featured folk dance performances by male and female troupes from Sungrep, Chungtor, and Tsadang villages. Short speeches were delivered by key figures, including K Aliba Sangtam, President USLP, Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa DC Tuensang, R Tsapikiu Sangtam, President ENPO among others. 

Welcome address was delivered by Imlikumba Sangtam, Convenor Planning Committee, and Samuel B Sangtam delivered the presidential address. The USSC 75th anniversary celebration was held under the theme "Honor the Past, Ignite the Future.” 

Earlier, at the opening ceremony which was held on Friday, Advisor for Information Technology & Communication, Economic & Statistics and Evaluation, H Sethrongkyu Sangtam emphasized that today's students are the leaders of tomorrow. He urged the students to approach their careers with sincerity and dedication, highlighting that success in life comes through hard work and sacrifice in pursuit of goals.

The ceremony began with a moment of reflection for departed leaders, led by Aprie, Secretary Women, USBLA. The Advisor released the anniversary souvenir, and a warm welcome address was delivered by T. Kirithong Sangtam, Co-convenor of the Planning Committee. Short speeches were given by the Head GB of Longkhim, President of PHSNS, and John Tsulise, DC Kiphire, and former President USSC.