Correspondent
KOHIMA, MAY 23
THE Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) today organized a felicitation programme for students who secured the top 50 positions in the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examination 2014, at Zonal Council Hall, Kohima.
Among a total of 65 toppers from across the state this year, 50 attended the programme along with their parents/guardians.
Principal director of School Education, Kesonyu Yhome, who graced the occasion as the chief guest, said the 21st century belongs to the youth and it lies upon the youth whether to bring about a change to the system or to go along with the existing system. He cited some revolutionary milestones in the history of the world that changed old ideologies, stating, those changes were brought about by young minds and the young force.
The young administrator challenged the students to have big dreams and to dream about a prosperous Nagaland and a prosperous nation, which, he said will come true if one strive for the best in his/her life.
Asserting that while Nagas take a lot of pride in themselves, as a nation and as an identity, he pointed out the need to reorient that pride in the proper channel.
He lamented that the Nagas have all been fighting over themselves, between themselves and among themselves for a long time but they have not been able to make a mark in the country’s and world’s map on any ground. He stressed the need for the youth to introspect and identify the contributions they are making to the society and in which areas they are excelling. “We are the future of the state, we need to have big dreams,” he reiterated.
Yhome lauded the toppers on their achievement and also attributed their success to the support and guidance from their parents and guardians.
Exhorting the gathering on behalf of parents, director of Horticulture department, Watienla Jamir, whose son secured the top 32 position in HSLC 2014, described the student achievers that they are going to be the “movers and shakers” of the society. She congratulated them on their success and encouraged them to strive harder as there will be great expectations from the society. She gave all glory and honour to God for their successes.
Also, observing that many of the toppers comes from less privileged backgrounds, she expressed pride in their achievements and said that it sets an example that one does not need to have the best of everything to achieve success in life.
She also shared some concerns on the NBSE marking system and stated there is room for improvement. Jamir requested the responsible authorities to take note of the matter and bring it at par with the CBSE and ICSE.
“Percentage really counts, and it’s a cut-throat competition out there today,” she stated.
Meanwhile, NSF president, Tongpang Ozukum, said the felicitation programme is an annual calendar event of the NSF with the intention to encourage the students and to make them aware of what the federation is about.
While congratulating the toppers, the president exhorted them that it is the time for them to focus and redefine their goals and plans for the future.
Earlier, top 3 position holder, Vevotolu Kezo delivered a brief speech on behalf of the toppers.
