EM Bureau
Dimapur, Aug. 12 (EMN): Various districts and education institutions in Nagaland observed the ‘International Youth Day’ on Friday on the theme ‘Intergenerational solidarity: creating a world for all ages -HIV-free.’
Dimapur: A youth cultural exchange programme organised by National Foundation for India (NFI) in collaboration with Can Youth at DBIDL on Friday.
During the exchange programme, various tribes and communities in Dimapur participated to share and discuss on the gaps and lapses in intergenerational practices to strengthen and identify priority areas to improve for social transformation through leadership.
Speaking on the occasion as special guest, president of Naga Women Hoho, Dimapur, Duoneinuo Kire said that youths are the main agents of change in the society and.
Stating that cultures are identities of communities, Kire urged one not lose his or her identity and urged the youths to never give up in life even during bad situations.
CAN Youth founder and chief functionary, Jenpu Rongmei, in his introductory note, said that the present generation of youth are living under the pressure of family, political system, and social system and that there was a need for the youth's ideas to come together in one book to make a change.
Rongmei stated that change is not an aspiration to be brought about in a short period of time but rather through a gradual process and positive changes among a select few to begin with.
Mokokchung: International Youth Day was observed at Jubilee Memorial College (JMC) with Dr. BM Sunep, chief veterinary officer of Mokokchung, as the speaker.
While dwelling on the theme, he pointed out that “we are living in a society where there is no relationship and solidarity amongst ourselves, parents, elders, seniors and juniors.” In this regard, he urged to seek knowledge from the elders.
According to him, “we are living in a postmodern era where there is no truth, no certainty and no morality.” He, therefore, urged to first know and understand the definition on the right to be a human being before understanding rights provided by law.
Dwelling on the topic of HIV, he said the best remedies to mitigate the virus are abstinence and using safety measures. He, however, stated that there are no 100 percent guarantees in using safety measures.
In the spoken words competition, 11 students participated where Manenbala Longchar was declared the winner and Nochetlong and Imlimenla B Longkumer were adjudged as first and second runner-ups respectively.
KLC: Kohima Law College (KCL) celebrated ‘International Youth Day’ at the college conference hall, organised the college’s Red Ribbon Club. Media cell KLC informed that the main event of the day was the painting competition based on the theme of the celebration.
Assistant professor and activist, Kezhokhoto Savi, in his address, said this year’s theme aims to amplify the message that action is needed across all generations to achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and leave no one behind.
The theme also raises awareness on certain barriers to intergenerational solidarity, notably ageism which impacts young and old persons, while having detrimental effects on society as a whole.
The need to address the various issues faced by young people such as access to education, health, employment and gender equality has grown more important than ever since youth are increasingly demanding more just, equitable, and progressive chances and solution in their society, it stated.
“For the youth it is necessary for achieving numerous sustainable development goals, affordable technical, vocational, and postsecondary education that equips young people with useful skills for work and business should be provided in addition to high-quality basic and secondary education,” it stated.
Kethosezo and Lelimthong P Yimchunger from 5th semester also spoke on the occasion.
Peren: Peren district celebrated International Youth Day at Peren Government College. An update from CMO office, Peren, informed that Rovikhoto Mor, DPO, DAPCU Peren, spoke on the significance of the day. A spoken word competition was held where a total of 20 students participated including three students from St. Xaviers College, Jalukie. The prizes was handed over by Albert, vice principal, Peren Government College, to the winners.
Tuensang: In Tuensang, International Youth Day celebration programme was organised by District AIDS Prevention & Control Unit (DAPCU), in collaboration with Red Ribbon Club of Loyem Memorial College, Tuensang, and sponsored by Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS).
Medical officer of Kuthur PHC, Dr. Nongosal Kirha spoke on three topics ‘Do you know your HIV status? Have you been vaccinated on Hepatitis? Do you have any symptoms of Tuberculosis?” He also requested to participants to convey the message about the need to create awareness about HIV, hepatitis and tuberculosis when they go back home.
Kiphire: International Youth Day was celebrated at Zisaji Presidency College (ZPC), Kiphire. The event was organised by District Aids Prevention and Control Unit (DAPCU), CMO’s office Kiphire, in collaboration with the Red Ribbon Club of ZPC, sponsored by Nagaland State AIDS Control Society.
The theme speaker and DPO (DAPCU), Tsiatsuvi, stated that the day was observed to spread the message that action was needed from all generations to achieve sustainable development goals. She said fostering intergenerational solidarity between generations was more than ever necessary to ensure an inclusive and sustainable recovery.
On HIV free generation, she mentioned that it means a generation in which all children were born free of HIV and remain so for the first two decades of life, from birth through adolescence. To ensure the attainment of an HIV free generation, the DPO said one must get educated, get tested, and get treated, while also getting involved with community-based organisations like Red Ribbon Club—its events and activities, the report stated.