Temjen Imna Along urges students to be responsible and united at Crimson Festiva 2026 in Sazolie College, Jotsoma.
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KOHIMA — Minister for Tourism and Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along, on Thursday said that Nagaland needs “responsible people, not just literates,” while calling on students to rise above divisions and contribute meaningfully to society.
The minister was addressing the inaugural programme of the three-day ‘Crimson Festiva 2026 Cultural Day’ held at Veneizono Hall, Sazolie College, Jotsoma, Kohima district, as the special guest.
Along highlighted the importance of preserving the natural environment and stated that Nagas must take responsibility for safeguarding the land.
“We have taken much more than what we need from our environment. As you rob the environment of its strength, you rob yourself of your own character,” he said.
Emphasising the difference between literacy and true education, he noted that while Nagaland has a high literacy rate, it still faces a shortage of responsible and socially conscious citizens.
The minister urged students to go beyond academic achievements and cultivate humility, responsibility, and a sense of service to society.
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“Today what Nagaland needs are responsible people,” Along said, adding that being educated means working not only for oneself but for the welfare of the community, family, and society at large.
He also raised concern over growing divisions within society, questioning why educated individuals continue to prioritise tribalism and self-interest.
He stressed the need for inclusivity and unity, urging the younger generation to carry everyone along in the journey of progress.
Highlighting Nagaland’s 62 years of statehood, he remarked that internal divisions have hindered collective growth. In this regard, he encouraged the students to rise above differences and work together for the state’s development.
Along said, “The way to progress is to live together and be interlocked with each other,” using the analogy of road construction to illustrate the importance of unity.
He also asserted the need for students to exercise patience and restraint in dealing with issues, cautioning against impulsive reactions, protests, and disruptions that ultimately affect society at large.
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Encouraging students to remain resilient, he said that challenges and mistakes are part of life, but individuals must strive to learn, grow, and contribute positively to society.
He also underscored the importance of inclusivity, urging the youth to ensure that their progress benefits not just individuals but communities and the state as a whole.
Calling on students to embrace both their identity and broader national belonging, the minister urged them not to fear integration while maintaining their cultural roots.
Furthermore, the minister expressed hope that the younger generation would play a key role in building a united, progressive, and prosperous Nagaland.
Earlier, delivering the welcome address, Principal of Sazolie College, Dr. Gopal Chetri, highlighted the institution’s history and the range of courses it offers alongside its sister institution, Sazolie College of Teachers Education (SCTE).
He stated that the idea of organising the college’s first-ever festival was the result of sustained discussions and collective prayer, which eventually materialised into the Crimson Festiva.
Explaining the significance of the name, he said “Crimson” represents the vibrant spirit of the festival, inspiring creative expression, passion, and artistic endeavour among students. It also symbolises the strength, unity, vitality, and interconnectedness of the college community.
The festival, he informed, is being held over three days with participation from colleges across the state. The first day focuses on cultural heritage, featuring events such as Naga wrestling, indigenous skill demonstrations, winnowing, and a snail-eating competition.
Day two will highlight intellectual and artistic activities, including the 18th inter-collegiate debate competition on the topic “Nagaland is a safe place for women,” along with flower arrangement and chess competitions.
The final day will conclude with band performances and dance competitions, with artistes including Polar Lights, Moko Koza, and Lamgrace set to perform, followed by a closing set by DJ Lil Bomb.
The programme began with an enactment of early Christian missionaries spreading the gospel to the Naga Hills, marked by cultural performances.