Our Correspondent
Kohima, April 22 (EMN): Pointing out that today’s society is riddled with dishonesty and social problems, Chairman of Nagaland Empowerment of People through Economic Development (NEPED), Kevechutso Doulo on Friday said honesty should begin at home.
He was addressing the inaugural programme of the 28th General Session of Secheku Women Welfare Society (SWWS) at Losami village in Phek district, celebrated on theme "Post pandemic-forging towards a resilient and sustainable Community”.
Doulo lamented children being taught about dishonesty early in life with many parents manipulating their kids’ date of birth, and then allowing their children to unfairly draw scholarship by swearing via affidavit, though their income is way higher than the ceiling set by the government.
Maintaining that women have in them the power to change the society, he called upon them to be changemakers. Development and progress of society solely lies on women, he added.
Speaking on SWWS’s motto “Empowering women, empowering humanity”, he said women should be empowered for a society to progress. He also urged them to appreciate and encourage their husbands, saying that “praise is something that can change”.
"Trust, appreciation and encouragement can bring change to the society," he said.
NEPED chairman lauded women from Secheku area, especially those from Pholami and Sakraba villages for venturing into business and bringing about changes through their efforts, which he feel should be emulated by others.
With state assembly elections coming up next year, he also told the gathering not to be misled and misconstrued by propaganda and ideology, mixing religion with politics.
Sharing greetings, executive member of Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) Rekha Rose Dukru said that there are three takeaways from the Covid-19 pandemic experience- to love the community and family; the importance of agriculture and to go back to the land to harvest; and the need to develop basic facilities.
She said that people need to aspire for development and better facilities by pushing the leaders to deliver their services to the people, to give better facilities. For this to happen, she said the electorates should elect right leaders who are responsible and have passion to work for the people.
In this regard, she stressed on the importance of clean election which the CPO endorses. She added that women need to play a proactive role to do away with proxy voting and other malpractices.
'Women have to be empowered,' Dukru said while urging them to be truthful. She went on to say that the society is looking for people ‘who can be empowered’.
Earlier in the programme, president of SWWS Kozou Lasuh delivered the presidential address. She told the gathering that the narrative of women’s role is changing, in breaking barriers and becoming trendsetters.
The president also stressed on the need for inclusivity in the society.
Kholou Mekrisuh performed a song, while Sakraba Women Society presented a folk song and SWWS General Secretary Dezele Thopi delivered the welcome address.
Assistant Development Commissioner Kezunyipeu Lasuh was the resource person for the workshop session of the day.