Minister KG Kenye urges students to embrace virtues of elders

JALUKIE — Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs KG Kenye, on Monday evening called upon the students to be rooted in the virtues of Naga ancestors and elders, and to take up leadership with a sense of social responsibility.

The minister was addressing the introductory session of the All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) 22nd biennial general conference held at St. Xavier College, Jalukie, Peren district.

As a former ANCSU president himself (1981-82), Kenye reminisced about the union's formative years, which were shaped by its commitment to serving the interests of college students and addressing pressing issues.

Recalling the dedication of past student leaders who traversed the state, making sacrifices to advocate for their causes, he noted that they had tirelessly pushed forward issues in every possible way.

He asserted that labour, simplicity, dedication, honesty, commitment, and hard work had enabled the then leaders to become what they are today and asked the students to be rooted in the virtues of the ancestors and elders.

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He opined that the ANCSU had produced some of the finest student leaders and urged them to unite in resolving the longstanding issues affecting the Naga community.

Kenye stated that, being in the government cabinet, he still deals with the old issues he had handled decades ago when he was a student leader.

He also dwelt on how the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) 1873, which is now known as the Inner Line Permit (ILP), came into being for the protection of the Nagas — to preserve their land and identities — which, he said, has also benefited the people religiously and educationally.

The minister also called upon Naga citizens and students not to be takers alone but to give back and take up leadership with social responsibility.

He implored upon the ANCSU to continue its attempts to bring students from the eastern region of the state, adding that the state has a lot of responsibility for change even whilst it grapples with many issues such as drug abuse.

Solving unemployment needs support and cooperation from the younger generation, which cannot be left to the government alone, the minister said.

Furthermore, Kenye exhorted the students to live a good Christian life and do good to make the world a better place to live in.

A solidarity speech was delivered by Kibouwi Zeliang, general secretary of the Zeliangrong Students’ Union Nagaland.

Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by Rev. Dr. Fr. Francis S Cherangaal, Principal of St. Xavier College, Jalukie.

Imnawabang T Longkumer, social and cultural secretary of ANCSU, also spoke on the occasion.

The programme, led by Temjennungsang Jamir, member of the organising committee, witnessed a cultural performance by Peren Government College, while a special song was presented by Patkai Christian College.

The general secretary’s report was presented by Kivinoka A Sema, and Jienda Gangmei, Pastor of Rongmei Baptist Church, Samziuram, offered prayers.

On October 28, the inaugural session will be attended by Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang as the inaugural guest. The conference will culminate on October 29 with a valedictory session and the Miss ANCSU 2025 contest.