As we embarked into the 21st century of technology age and scientific world, we have moved from primitive tribal society to a modern society that fits into a global economy and becoming a part of global village . With the changing environment around us, we should make the best possible use of the new innovation technology for the benefit of all because it is more reliable, easier, affordable and accurate. But will only happen when we realize the importance and significance it plays in our daily lives. A knowledge-based economy is required in this fast pace of globalization. It would not only helped to bring out new innovative products but can be served for economic growth.The determining factor today is the economic strength of a nation. Our state Nagaland is a net consuming state, our consumption far exceeding our production. In real terms, we have been importing much what we export. Which is not a healthy sign of an economy. If the state truly learn how to exploit and make use of raw materials, manpower and locally available skills, Nagaland can become as one of the progressive states in the country. There’s always been this notion as Lincoln said, “ We do better together than we do for ourselves.” Whether its building roads, power grid, healthcare facilities, educational infrastructure etc. We should therefore examine in detail both historical and political realities and acknowledge those facts and appreciate the developmental activities in the state rather than agitate and create hindrance on the way. On the other hand the government should also focused with positive approach to the natural wealth, land , water , forest, oil minerals and substantially exploit and marketed. But it can only happen with right planning and vision.
The recently held e-Naga Summit was an important initiative taken by the government. Speaking on the occasion the minister for civil aviation and IT&C, Paiwang rightly stated, “ The world has transferred from traditional to modern domain which now calls for specialized knowledge and improved service in all areas.” With the growing demand of skilled employees in the job market, it will provide ample opportunities to the growing workforce who are willing to break the shackles of the past and want to find success in the new world economy. According to the data available a staggering 65,783 educated youth are unemployed in Nagaland.
Today, ‘Youth Empowerment’ is a multi-faceted concept. So it is necessary that the government devise success of such programmes bearing this aspects in mind. Since the success of such programmes will depend upon the stakes of youth in their results. It is essential that our youth should enjoy greater participation in the descision making process and its execution. But such participation needs to be facilitated by identifiable structures, transparent procedure and wider representation of the youth in appropriate bodies.
Nagas are in transition phase which had positively and negatively impacted our society. It is the need of an hour to circumspect and introspect to adapt oneself by keeping closely intact with our rich cultural heritage as we move forward under the fast changing modern civilized world. Once Naga were known as proud and independent, self-reliant people but now we have became casual and dependent on others for all our works. Many of us are diplomatic beggars living beyond our means. Our forefathers were hardworking and honest people, these good qualities should be inherited as it is diminishing in the present society. Perhaps its time to dream big and work harder to excel in one’s professional fields and became a valuable assets to our land and to the world.
Thechamo Kikon
DBS, Kohima
