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Lok Sabha MP Neiphiu Rio speaking at the Lotha Student's Union 50th General Conference at Chukitong Wokha on Thursday.[/caption]
Wokha, Jan. 12: Former chief minister and the Lok Sabha MP, Neiphiu Rio, inaugurated the monolith stone of the 50th general conference of Lotha Students’ Union in Chükitong village on January 12.
"This new year will bring positive changes in the society as mentioned in the theme 'Be an agent of change', that change cannot come as a miracle but that change has to be everyone, we all have to be that agent of positive change for our society, for our community, for our friends and for ourself," stated Rio.
He said we are privileged to achieve so much because of Christianity coming to our land followed by education.
“Among the Nagas, I want to place a record that Lotha community had achieved much better than other communities particularly in education, in economy and also in social life and even in governance,” said Rio.
“Lotha's stand second to Ao in literacy and Lothas stand among the top in per capita income and Lothas are performing better, if not the best in NPSC or competitive exams, that goes to show that you are ranking among the top in the society,” Rio added.
Rio reiterated that education is the most powerful weapon which can change you, your family, your society and even the world. He said education is life in itself gives power to think, reason, learn and act positively. He termed it fortunately that in Naga society we have no class system or caste system adding our society is so vibrant even the lowest family has the opportunity to become somebody. Rio encouraged the students to not only be literate but to excel, work very hard and be an asset to the society.
‘After a long struggle, the Government of India (GOI) and the world is recognising Nagas as a people and our political issue is no more known as law and order issue but a political issue and our history is recognised as unique’ stated Rio.
He said the memorandum to Simon Commission in 1929 clearly pointed out that if British Empire is to go back Nagas should be left alone as “we are different from others in tradition and customary practises.”
“Government of India recognised us, GOI gave us protection but we are quarrelling on oil issue or in the municipal act 2001 with 33% reservation of women. It is very sad that we don't discuss enough at this time and the announcement to conduct municipal and town council election has resulted hue and cry from all sections of society,” Rio rued.
“We passed a resolution that we have to set aside part 9(a) of the constitution because it infringes the Article 371(A). We set aside the reservation and we said that we will discuss with the civil societies, the tribal hohos and after dialogue and discussion once we understand one another we will enact our own laws,” Rio said.
While stating that he is not against women reservation or Naga mothers, Rio said Article 371(A) is not only about women but the customary practices and about the right and protection that have been provided with.
Rio was of the view that as an educated society living in 21st century, we have to upgrade and update our tradition and culture. He further made an appeal that Nagas have to accommodate women in governance not only in civic or local bodies. As all the tribal hoho have come out to boycott, he urged upon the government of the day to apply the wisdom and take corrective measures so that our society can live in harmony. India being the biggest democratic county in the world, Rio felt it is not proper for the government to fight with the people or the people to fight with the government.
Rio further said the right of the Nagas should never ever be harmed or infringed, as the State logo ‘Mithun’ signifies identity of the Nagas and the word ‘Unity’ would remain with us. With this hope, he believed that 2017 will be a special year for the Nagas.
Have courage to set out as pathfinders, barrier breakers and be contenders in the vast open fields of opportunities guided by the road map in the changing times, were the words of member of legislative assembly Thomas Lotha.
The legislator was addressing the 50th Lotha Ekhae Ekhung general conference at the JNV campus in Chukitong, under Wokha district, on January 11. The event was conducted with the theme "Be an agent of change"
‘Our predecessors gave life to this union with farsighted vision that today we may stand stronger and resolved in our relentless pursuit for excellence,’ he said as he recalled how as a young student leader he also worked for the students’ community.
As agents of change, the legislator said, collecting mementos and certificates during occasions should not be the ultimate achievement for them but success and responsibilities should go beyond that. Attaining 50 years is a milestone in itself, hence, he said, the students’ community which is considered the hope and strength of the society, should be a platform. The students must become the stepping stone and a turning point for emergence of leadership and a force of guidance for the younger generations too, Thomas Lotha added.
Although one must be aware of politics and happenings, Thomas also explained, students leaders must not be carried away by the political business. They need to focus on carrying out activities and duties as student leaders.
Also speaking during the event was Wokha’s deputy commissioner Wezope Keney. The officer advised the students to be humble and to be enthusiastic in what they do. Greatness don't come with position, he said. The general secretary of the LSU, T Phyobemo Kikon, presented the general report. The highlights of the evening included choreography, and special entertainment items.
Around 80 students units attended the general conference.
