Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, JUNE 30
The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) today felicitated Naga student toppers of HSLC 2015 at a felicitation programme held in the Zonal Council Hall, Kohima on Tuesday. 29 students out of a total of 52 who secured Top 20 positions in the last HSLC examination are bona fide Naga.
Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, Minister for School Education, Yitachu while congratulating the toppers on their achievement, told them that the big challenge that lies ahead of them is to keep the momentum to progress. He said more efforts will be needed to further their ambitions and there will be no room for complacence if they are to continue to be achievers.
By becoming toppers, he said they have made a standing at the starting point in their lives and they have a responsibility not just to themselves but to their parents and the Naga society.
Terming them as the “brain of our generation”, he encouraged the toppers to pursue for greater heights and concentrate on bringing about what the Nagas have not yet achieved and what the society aspires for.
The minister stated that in the process of non-interference policy on the Nagas during the British rule the Nagas were left behind without any long term plan and the state is now lagging in progress and development. He cited that there is no technical institutions in Nagaland and no other institution worth of national standards, however, he opined that this does not mean the Naga people should feel left out and remain frustrated. “We have to come out and rise to the occasion and endeavour to march forward,” he said.
Also touching upon the unemployment problem in the state, Yitachu lamented that many people, without assessing the resources, have the notion that the government should give them a job. He feels that if this attitude is to remain then it will ruin the Nagas as all the funds will be spent on salaries and there will be nothing left for development. He also alleged that many departments keep on appointing employees without proper sanction and this, he said, is “murdering our economy and destroying the future”.
“The government must have enough reserve fund to take up development activities which will generate more employment opportunities,” he explained.
Stating that Nagaland does not lack in natural resources, he pointed out that it is rich in minerals, oil and natural gas, it has huge potential to develop horticulture and floriculture, potentials to generate hydro-power and is situated at a position to connect with neighbouring nations. The minister said it is time for the people to realize the natural wealth and learn how to use available resources to progress. If the present trend continues, he feels that producing the best brains will not matter much as there would not be any scope to expand their knowledge.
He said when right decisions are made, development plans for the right locations are charted and funds are utilized judiciously, only then, more employment opportunities can be generated.
Yitachu asked the toppers to consider all these and pursue their studies with a purpose so that they can return and contribute towards the growth and progress of the state.
NSF president, Subenthung, in his address, congratulated the toppers and remarked that their achievement is a pride to all. He said shaping one’s future lies in the hands of the individual self, and he called upon the toppers to keep the momentum alive as they strive forward to achieve their aims and goals.
Delivering a speech on behalf of the toppers, Chemtisangla Longkumer, who secured Top 2 position in the HSLC 2015, acknowledged the support and guidance of parents and teachers.
The programme was chaired by NSF assistant general secretary, Christopher, while the procedure of felicitation of the toppers was led by NSF education secretary, Imtiyapang.
Besides the toppers and their parents/family, the programme was attended by parliamentary secretary for Art & Culture Eshak Konyak, NBSE chairperson Asano Sekhose, School Education director Zaveyi Nyekha, NMA president Abei-u Meru among others.
