FONSESA’s National Engineers’ Day celebration in Kohima highlights the role of engineers in governance, sustainable development and technological advancement in Nagaland.
Dr. Rhutso calls for technical professionals’ involvement in governance
DIMAPUR — The Federation of Nagaland State Engineering Service Associations (FONSESA) held its National Engineers’ Day celebration-cum-Biennial General Conference 2026 at the Capital Convention Centre, Kohima, on Tuesday, with calls for greater involvement of technical professionals in governance and sustainable development.
Speaking as the special guest, MLA Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhutso emphasised the importance of engineers in advancing sustainable development and urged technical professionals to contribute their expertise to the planning and implementation of development projects.
According to a DIPR report, the event was held on the theme “Engineering Excellence for a Sustainable and Technological Development.”
Recalling the contributions of engineer and statesman M Visvesvaraya, Rhutso said his legacy was remembered not for wealth but for achievements and service to society. He stated that no society could progress towards sustainable development without the involvement of engineers.
He underscored the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in driving development and urged senior professionals to guide and inspire the younger generation.
Drawing a parallel between engineering and medicine, Rhutso said both professions ultimately served the comfort and well-being of humanity.
He noted that several medical technologies and instruments were products of engineering innovation, highlighting the need for greater convergence among professions.
The MLA called for increased participation of technical professionals in administration, stating that their expertise could improve the planning and execution of development projects.
He said Nagaland needed its best minds to contribute to governance and development.
Rhutso also urged engineers and other professionals to use their knowledge for the betterment of society, mentor younger professionals and strive to leave behind a meaningful legacy.
FONSESA president Fineson Pojar called for dynamic and issue-based leadership with a broader vision for Nagaland, rather than leadership confined to individual constituencies.
He urged aspiring leaders to work towards building a developed and united state.
Paying tribute to the pioneers of FONSESA, Pojar said the association had brought engineers from different disciplines and areas of expertise onto a common platform to share knowledge, encourage one another and improve proficiency in public service.
Referring to the conference theme, Pojar urged engineers to make engineering excellence a driving force in their professional lives and work towards achieving the association’s collective aspirations.
Describing engineers as the “real wealth of a nation,” Pojar said they were problem-solvers who bridged science and society and remained an important backbone of nation-building.
He stated that FONSESA’s purpose was to bring engineers together and support the government in functioning more effectively and efficiently.
A technical presentation on rooftop solar (RTS) by APEN under the Nagaland Solar Mission, in convergence with PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, highlighted the benefits of adopting solar energy for household electricity requirements.
The presentation informed participants that consumers could avail themselves of central and state subsidies covering a substantial portion of installation costs, subject to scheme provisions.
The subsidies were stated to be INR 53,000 for 1 kW, INR 1.06 lakh for 2 kW, and INR 1.35 lakh for 3 kW and above.
Consumers can choose from 21 empanelled vendors in the state, with installation undertaken by the vendor and the Department of Power. Applications can be submitted through the official portal, www.pmsuryaghar.gov.in, using a mobile number, email ID and consumer ID. The scheme is valid until March 31, 2027.
The welcome address was delivered by FONSESA vice president Chirhotho Rasutho.
The business session reviewed resolutions of the previous conference and deliberated on the agenda. New office bearers were subsequently declared by the search committee.