Dr. Neisatuo Mero, MLA, urges students to remain purposeful, disciplined, and culturally rooted.
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ZUKETSA — Dr. Neisatuo Mero, MLA, on Thursday urged students to remain purposeful, disciplined, and culturally rooted while navigating a rapidly changing world driven by technology, competition, and global challenges.
He was addressing the 67th general session of the Zuketsa Students Union (ZSU) held at Zuketsa local ground, Phek district, coinciding with the 79th general conference of the Chakhesang Students Union (CSU).
Dr. Mero noted that the world is witnessing rapid transformation in education, technology, and the economy with developments that can shape the future meaningfully if harnessed wisely.
However, he cautioned that unchecked misuse of technological and military power could prove destructive, citing ongoing global conflicts where advanced war machinery and nuclear threats have reduced once-developed cities to rubble.
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Emphasising the responsible use of science, he highlighted the positive side of technological advancement, citing examples such as AI-powered hospitals, where artificial intelligence doctors and nurses can treat thousands of patients daily, and where specialists can operate remotely from major cities like Delhi.
He also referred to high-speed bullet trains capable of stopping within seconds and the emergence of AI-enabled classrooms with 5G connectivity.
Calling attention to innovations in food technology, the legislator spoke about cultivated or lab-grown meat, produced by harvesting animal cells without slaughtering animals, describing it as a remarkable scientific achievement.
He underscored the intensity of competition in today’s era, citing statistics from recent examinations. He noted that for around 600 NSSB vacancies, more than 50,000 applicants had applied; about 12,000 candidates competed for 97 posts in the NPSC examination; and over 10 lakh aspirants vie annually for fewer than 1,000 UPSC posts.
“This is survival of the fittest,” he remarked, urging students to equip themselves through hard work and discipline.
Sharing his personal journey, Dr Mero credited hard work, consistency, and faith in God for his progress from completing his medical degree to serving as a doctor and eventually as an MLA.
He further encouraged students to cultivate daily study habits, consistency, and mutual respect, emphasising the importance of learning and speaking each other’s dialects within the Chakhesang community to strengthen unity and cultural continuity.
Cautioning students studying outside the state, Dr Mero warned against negative peer pressure, substance abuse, and losing sight of life’s purpose. He reminded them that freedom away from home comes with responsibility and urged them not to bring disgrace to their families or community.
Furthermore, he stressed the importance of remembering one’s identity, culture, traditions, and ancestral roots, encouraging students, especially those raised in urban areas to spend time in villages with elders to truly understand life, culture, and values.
Earlier, Kedoutsolhi Wetsah, president of the Zuketsa Area Public Organisation (ZAPO), delivered the greetings. He said that village-level students’ unions under the banner of the CSU play a crucial role in nurturing student welfare, education, and holistic development, serving as the bedrock of progress and excellence.
Highlighting broader challenges, he noted that while Nagaland has a literacy rate of 79.55% and over 1,285 villages, employment remains a concern, with around 1.31 lakh government employees and approximately 84,625 unemployed youths as per recent data. He urged students to pursue excellence beyond government jobs through skill development, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance.
He also expressed pride in the Chakhesang community’s achievements, noting that it has produced six IAS officers, along with IPS and gazetted officers, calling these milestones inspirations for the next generation.
The programme featured the presidential address by Wetekhro Therie, president of ZSU; the general secretary’s report by Zhiekhwe Zhiemi; and the literacy report and felicitation of meritorious students by Line-ü Kreo, education Secretary.