KOHIMA, AUGUST 2 : The All Nagaland College Students’ Union celebrated its 37th foundation day with Chief Secretary Pankaj Kumar as the chief guest at Zonal Council Hall, Kohima today.
Speaking on the occasion, Pankaj Kumar said it was a visionary step to establish ANCSU, a body which can voice the students’ perspective of things. However, he reminded the student body to be prepared to confront with certain challenges for the students’ community with the change happening fast in the present time.
Stressing on the importance of quality education, Kumar said though emphasis was given more on extension of education in the last few years, the government, he said has realized the distinct thinking to concentrate more on quality, in order to prepare the students community to face the challenges that lie ahead.
At the same time, he also reminded that students on the equal importance on the amount of efforts that an individual puts in to prepare for the life that we are making for ourselves. He said one needs to put in real efforts and dedication to really excel in one’s chosen field.
Also emphasizing on the need for cooperation among all civil bodies, Kumar maintained the quality of cooperation is to be able to live together, survive together and progress. He however, pointed out that somehow, the people have taken this cooperation to an entirely new dimension.
He further maintained that each individual needs a degree of reflection to hone the art of cooperation, which also requires a little of diligence too. Emphasizing his viewpoint, Kumar said ‘we should first examine what we want, and examine how justify is our want, see the other side and place ourselves on the other side too’.
While stating that the civil society should demand, but not take law and order in its own hand, Kumar maintained ‘when that distinction is lost, then justice gets defeated’.
Elucidating on the brief history of the union, Theja Therieh, former president, ANCSU, said the union came into being in the later part of 1970 with the objective to promote the society through higher education and professional studies. Therefore, he asserted that it must stay focused and be more specific, so that the specific needs of the students are addressed from time to time.
Pointing out the existence of three deep-rooted ‘isms’ in the Naga society today, whereby the people are infested by tribalism, party-ism and factionalism in all the social strata, Therieh asserted that unless people do away with these evils of looking through the prism of ‘isms’, the society will never progress as expected.
In this regard, he said ANCSU which does not represent any tribe, party or factions should strive without any such negative ‘isms’ and prepare to play a role model of how society can progress without isms and colours.
Also speaking on the occasion, Kezhazer Angami, tribunal general, ANCSU has acknowledged their tireless efforts and sacrifices of the past and the incumbent leaders of the Union for the achievements made thus far.
Encouraging the students present, Angami said, ‘ANCSU is a platform where when one serves with commitment and dedication will improve one’s personality, confidence and broaden one’s vision and outlook’. At the same time he also strongly asserted that ANCSU cannot afford to accommodate a person who comes to serve the union with vested interest.
‘Personal integrity and honesty is a virtue that ANCSU leaders should possess’ said Angami and maintained that the union should never compromise on such those values.
On election of its leaders, he also urged the students to enquire the antecedents of any candidates, so that no person with vested interest is elected who may sell out the office of ANCSU or smear the image of the union with their indulgences.
Meanwhile NSF president, Subenthung Kithan has requested the government for timely release of scholarship, and also to strictly adhere by the PAN notification, whereby he cited various anomalies and random activities that are still going on.
Zhoku Thuluo in his presidential address pays tribute to the founding members and former leaders for their valuable sacrifices by laying a strong foundation for the students today. He sought the cooperation and support of all the students and colleges to come forward and carry the union to greater heights. While urging the students for unity, sincerity and dedication in their studies, the students were also asked to continue to preserve, protect and uplift the students’ community ‘for our tomorrow’.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Kesosul Christopher Ltu, former auditor general, ANCSU, invocation offered by Jonathan Mesen, Pastor, PowerComm, Kohima and words of gratitude said by Benjongakum Longchar, general secretary, ANCSU.
The gathering was enthralled with a special number presented by Viziinii Noswe, Model Christian College, Kohima and students of Capital College of Higher Education, Kohima.
