Our Correspondent
Tseminyu, May 14 (EMN): Stating that Nagaland is a land of opportunities for people coming from outside the state, I Meyionen Jamir, Chief Information Commissioner (CIC), lamented that ‘locals have become lazy and do not want to work anymore.’
“We always look for easy money and shortcuts. But let us not forget that hard work is the only key to success,” he said and called upon young people to capture the labour market. He was speaking during the platinum jubilee celebration and 41st general conference of Rengma Students Union (RSU) at RSA ground in Tseminyu on May 13 on the theme “Beyond mediocrity: reviving virtues, unleashing creativity.”
The officer advised the students not to waste time wondering as to what has happened but make things happen to achieve success in life. He also called upon all to convert the occasion into a time of introspection and reality check saying, “We must address those issues that are confronting us today, assess the situation and find solutions for tomorrow.”
He further informed that there are 85,000 educated unemployed youth in Nagaland today, out of which 30,162 people are graduate and above. Stating that many graduates are produced every year, he stated that if all those 85,000 are to seek government service, there would be no solution.
“The state government instead of creating more posts and employment opportunities will rather phase out many unwanted posts in order to cut down expenditures on salaries and pensions. If posts are not created corresponding to the number of educated youth that the state produces, where is your future?” he asked.
“If whatever education we have received from schools and colleges are meant for a government job, then we have a defective education system. The sooner we realise that, the better, so that we will be able to make corrective measures,” Jamir added.
He went on to add that students acquired only book knowledge but were never taught any life skills and now they have nowhere to go after graduation. Towards this, he urged RSU to conduct career counseling at Class 9 and 10 levels.
The officer also read out the message of Tongpang Ozukum, minister of PWD (Housing and Mechanical) in his absence, who was supposed to attend the occasion as the honoured guest.
Jonathan Mesen, youth secretary of Council of Rengma Baptist Churches (CRBC) and theme speaker, said, ‘When one commits to reviving “Christian virtues,” they will guide creative minds towards innovation and inventions. Such a society will not only unleash creativity but will refine the minds of its citizens to foster and appreciate creativity.’
He called upon all to embrace, treasure and adore Christian virtues as those will not allow one to stay mediocre but rather train and transform, coach and crown, and bring out the best in a person.
“Without virtues, what we count as progress and development is nothing but a cheap decoration on our tombstones,” he said.
“Today, if we consider our land, many are ok with what is ok. Maybe mediocre minds are plaguing our society. If we are not careful, a gang of mediocre minds can become a minefield for an ambitious and thriving soul,” he warned.
He asked how honest student leaders are discharging duties to students.
“Are we thinking and talking about the welfare of the student community? Or are we using them as bait to catch influence for our leadership aspiration?” he queried.
Talking about a thriving society, he said that “only those who fear and trust God can truly embody Christian virtues.” He warned them not to ignore God lest one become a human parasite and a liability to the society.
RSU president, Heiko Kent, informed that the union was formed in October 1947 and also paid homage to pioneers. He called upon all to strive for social harmony and progress.
“Let us strive towards excellence while also contributing and taking active participation in bringing about positive changes wherever our society is in need,” Kent added.
Delivery a solidarity message, ASU president, Bisevi Nakhro, called upon all to work for a better Naga society and not waste time squabbling over tribal issues, denominational issues, egoistic and leadership issues.
“Instead, let us make time to support one another and work hand-in-hand for the creation of a Naga society filled with hope and determination all for God's greater glory,” he said.
Pastor of Tseminyu Town Baptist Church, Yhunthonlo Khing, said the dedicatory prayer, while CIC Jamir unveiled the jubilee monolith at the RSU office. The three-day celebration culminated on Saturday.