Share
Dr. Hovithal Sothu, speaking at the ‘Excellence Award’ programme on Saturday at Hotel Saramati, in Dimapur.[/caption]
Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, Jan. 12: Director of Music Task Force Dr. Hovithal Sothu urged the Nagas to ‘get out of mediocrity and move towards excellence’ during the Excellence Award programme held on Jan. 12 at Hotel Saramati, Dimapur.
The programme was organised by CAN YOUTH, a non-governmental organisation that works for skill-building, education, employability, and entrepreneurship; and the award presented by Fenesta.
Speaking during the programme, Sothu said that one should strive to be on the top in whatever profession one takes up. Pointing out there is too many NGOs in the Naga society, he said it should be established with a proper vision -- not for monetary gain but to uplift the poorer and weaker sections of the society.
He said many social workers run NGOs for commission and grant-in-aid from the government. However, he said CAN YOUTH operates without depending on government’s aid.
Explaining that Nagas have become easy-going, living without proper vision and aim in life, Sothu said integrity, doing things right when no one is watching; being devoted in one’s profession; and dignity of labour are the things that Nagas should put into practice to move ahead in life.
Earlier, the director gave away Excellence Award to Ruovilhoukho Chuzo, son of Zaputuo Chuzo from Medziphema village. Chuzo, whose mother passed away when he was very young, lives with his two brothers and two sisters. His father is a daily wage earner who hardly manages their basic needs and school fees. Being the eldest in the family, he left his studies to help his family and ensure that his four siblings receive proper education.
Chuzo undertook one-year training on carpentry from the Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Kohima and also underwent basic and professional course on bamboo crafts from Nagaland Bamboo Resource Centre (NBRC) before starting a career in handicraft. He faced financial issues during the initial years but kept his faith in God and continued to work diligently.
Today, he owns ‘Collection Store’ and ‘Chop Stick Restaurant’ in Chumukedima, Dimapur. He also trains and helps school-dropouts and young unemployed youths for free through his ‘The Naga’s Feather’ (called Ruovi Craft Collection earlier).
“Whatever I have today is all by the grace of God and support from my family, friends, and well wishers,” said Chuzo in his acceptance speech. “Together we can make a difference, together we can help someone,” he added.
Earlier, chief functionary of CAN YOUTH, Jenpu Rongmei said Excellence Award was initiated to promote, encourage, and acknowledge young people, especially school dropouts, who never gave up in life in spite of their failure in studies. He said that they utilise their creativity, skills, and talents to create amazing things to make a living despite the struggles and hardships.
“There are so many young people in our society who are working hard and doing amazing things without the knowledge of the society. We want to promote and acknowledge these people to the world so that they don’t give up on their dreams but to move forward and contribute for the welfare of the society,” said Rongmei.