Minister Along urges students to embrace holistic education

DIMAPUR — Minister of Higher & Technical Education Temjen Imna Along Longkumer on Tuesday called upon students to adopt a holistic approach to education, equipping themselves with vocational skills to enhance their employability.

The minister was addressing the 34th annual function-cum- fresher’s social programme of Pranab College, Dimapur, held at the college campus.

Reflecting on the institution’s journey, Along said that since its establishment in 1991, Pranab College has made significant progress, including the recent transition to a co-educational system, which he described as a step towards creating a better learning ecosystem.

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To the freshers, he said that the day marked the beginning of a new journey not only for them, but also for their parents, community, and the government, who all harbour aspirations for their success.

The minister encouraged the students to work hard and not to expect jobs merely on the basis of their graduation certificates, but to create opportunities if few exist.

He mentioned that statistically, Nagaland is among the states with the highest literacy rate, but also among the highest in unemployment. He therefore urged the management of Pranab College to strengthen vocational studies and skill development programmes.

He also lauded the contribution of the institution towards women’s education, noting that women in Nagaland have made remarkable achievements across fields, from space research to the armed forces, medicine, teaching, and homemaking.

Additionally, the minister remarked that women now form a majority in many colleges across the state, including Pranab College, while the number of male students has comparatively declined. Predicting a social transition, he said women will soon lead in business, government, entrepreneurship, and other sectors of the economy.

 “Opportunity comes best for those who are humble, who fear God, and who work hard,” he added.

Meanwhile, acknowledging the havoc caused by recent weather conditions in Nagaland, the minister urged students and citizens to remain cautious during travel, reminding them not to “amplify negativism” as natural calamities are nature’s way of revealing itself.

On the occasion, the minister also launched the college magazine ‘Pranab Vision’ and the college website.

The event also featured short speeches delivered by Pranab College alumni Vili G Chophy and Kaheli Chophy.

Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by Dr. Santosh Kumar, Principal of Pranab College. Seiboy Khongsai, Assistant Professor of Sociology, proposed the vote of thanks.