Students’ conference calls for building character

Our Correspondent
Kohima, March 24 (EMN): The three-day 28th biennial conference of the Angami Students’ Union (ASU) culminated on March 24, Sunday, at Piphema village in Kohima.

Dr. Rosemary Dzüvichü, head of English department at Nagaland University, was the speaker for the conference’s valedictory service. She spoke on the topic ‘values and virtues’ focusing on challenges and perspectives.

Values, she said, are the goals people set for themselves, while virtues are the characteristics of a person that brings about moral excellence.

‘When it comes to the Naga context, one can relate to the traditional values and code of conduct. Over the years, people were faced with challenges such as lack of unity and divisive mindset. However, the very difference in terms or political, such as the Naga political issue, had in turn developed the ability to be tolerant with differences of opinion,’ Dzüvichü said.

Saying that respecting others was of paramount importance, the teacher appealed to the students to respect elders, counterparts; people from other religion and cultures and opinion; and the differences.

Dzüvichü observed honesty to be the biggest challenge for Nagas. “We are hesitant in most instances to speak the truth for fear of hurting others,” she said. She urged the people to overcome these challenges and speak what is true and truth.

In the morning devotional service of the conference, Rev. Dr. Neivotso Paphino, mission director of the Northeast India CRC was the speaker. He said the fear of God was the essence of wisdom. Earthly wants and greed destroyed the relationship between God and men, he said. He encouraged the students to seek God as their parent and have faith in him.

As part of the conference, the union elected a team of new office bearers for the tenure 2019-21 to lead the organisation. The newly elected members are led by Vizokho Zashümo, the ASU’s new president and Petekhrietuo Kiewhuo, general secretary.