'NIT shows growing importance of state'
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M Venkaiah Naidu hands a citation to a student during the second convocation of the 2016-2017 batch of students from the NIT at the institute's campus at Chumukedima in Dimapur on May 23.[/caption]
Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, May 23: The vice president of India M Venkaiah Naidu has said that the state of Nagaland, with all its lustre and dross, has begun finding a position of importance especially in intellect-intensive industries such as electronics, and communication technology — a statement he contextualized with allusion to the Northeast becoming a possible economic hub for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) countries.
The vice president was in Dimapur on Wednesday. He addressed the second convocation of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) at Chumukedima.
In his address to the convocation Naidu said that there was an immense investment potential in the north-eastern region and that the Asean countries 'should not be allowed to miss that opportunity.'
As a state rich in culture, the vice president said, Nagaland is growing fast. That an NIT had been set up in the state was an indication about the growing importance of this region, he said. Naidu said that the north-eastern region was endowed with abundant natural resources but “difficult terrain, dispersed habitations, poor connectivity and inadequate infrastructure have been obstacles in realizing its true potential.” Improving connectivity is most important to bringing the Northeast region 'into the mainstream,' he said.
Likewise, Naidu explained, air connectivity is vital to promoting tourism, and business and people-to-people contact. “We strongly believe that the corridors of connectivity should be converted into corridors of economic growth with a symbiotic market model of development,” he said.
The vice president then advised the students to keep in mind that education does not end with the acquisition of a degree or by securing employment. Learning is a lifelong process and education is meant to “enlighten them, develop them into a holistic individual, strengthen their character and inculcate the qualities required to face any challenging situation with a sense of equanimity,” Naidu said. Character is formed by the manner in which the students “surmount the challenges but never lose sight of the goals they set for themselves.”
Expressing admiration for the natural beauty of NIT's location, the vice president expressed confidence that the institution would become a leading centre of technical education in the country.
“I foresee that NIT Nagaland, being a technical institute of national importance, will play a significant role in filling the industrial gap in Nagaland, by bringing industries, the corporate sector and technocrats from other parts of our country to Nagaland for its societal growth and uplift,” he said. Students from Nagaland and other north-eastern parts should take full advantage of the NIT’s world-class technical education, he said.
“The real strength of any academic institute lies in maintaining high standards of excellence through its teaching and top quality research,” he said.
Maintaining that the real strength of any academic institute is in high standards of excellence through its teaching and top-quality research, Naidu said it can be achieved only through dedication, discipline and determination of the faculty and students.
“There should not be any compromise on quality of teaching and research. The knowledge and technical skills acquired by you will form the main pillars of your professional career. But the life skills acquired by you and the values of ethics, morality, integrity and compassion are equally important in navigating through the challenges and contributing to building an inclusive New India,” he said.
The vice president informed that the country will be emerging as one of the leading economies of the world in the coming years with a projected growth at 7.3% or 7.4% in 2019 and with 65 per cent of the people under the age of 35 years. Naidu proposed that the country tap and convert the “huge human resource capital into a demographic dividend and spur the economic growth.”
Naidu informed that a recent study by a global executive search firm has forecasted a talent deficit of 85 million workers by 2030 across developing and developed economies. “It said that India was the only major economy with potential for talent surplus by 2030 and might even challenge America’s position in technology, media and telecommunications sector,” he said. For this the VP optimistically informed the students about the many opportunities the country’s economy will garner in the future.
“You are going to commence a new chapter. First and foremost requirement is to set clear-cut goals. Second is to strive relentlessly to achieve those goals. Anything can be achieved through hard work, perseverance and by adopting the right attitude. Your character is formed by the manner in which you surmount the challenges. You will experience highs and lows of life, but never lose sight of the goals you set for yourselves” the VP addressed the gathering of students, teachers and parents.
Present as guest of honour of the event was Nagaland Governor PB Archarya. During his brief speech, the governor congratulated the degree and medal recipients of NIT. He informed that the NIT is the first centrally funded technical institute in Nagaland and one of the thirty one in the country. “NIT Nagaland is a developing institution, known for its stellar services to the State and nation, contributing significantly in the field of education and research” he said.
“Empowerment by education is the most important weapon to change the world” he said stressing that the education of young minds in the right manner will not only bring development and positive change to the society but also strengthen the nation.
The governor added that there has to be coordination among industries, and trade and commerce and educationists.
“The Northeast has plenty of mineral, coal, hydro energy, solar potential, organic agri produce, tea gardens, forest produce, fauna and herbs. All these should be our academic subjects to create wealth by the student’s empowerment,” he suggested.
“Nagaland instead of having five universities, it is yet to become self-sufficient in production of vegetable, fruits, cereals, fish, meat etc. Our universities should seriously give a thought to it,” he remarked.
