Principal Correspondent
Kohima, June 14
Nagaland Assembly Speaker Chotisuh Sazo stressed the need to tap the rich biodiversity of the North East for the benefit of the region.
“The people of the region should preserve the rich biodiversity and tap it for our benefit, instead of being poor amidst the rich biodiversity,” Sazo said while formally inaugurating the three-day North East National Service Scheme (NSS) Youth Festival under the theme “Rejuvenating youth through festival” at IG Stadium here today.
“A festival of this kind for the students who are already trained and involved in contributing their services to the community is befitting,” he said.
Sazo also expressed the hope that the festival would provide opportunities for shared learning in multifaceted ways to the youngsters and also help in learning each other’s culture and tradition.Hoping that the NSS volunteers would benefit from the three-day festival, Sazo said, “You are the future of our society… the skills, the knowledge that you acquire today shall be your main motivational drive to help and improve the society tomorrow.”
He also urged them to take NSS seriously along with their studies whereby they would contribute for a better society.
The Speaker further encouraged them to respect diverse cultures and build a cohesive region for nation building.
“If we understand and respect diversity, we can become better agents of nation building,” said Sazo.
He also said the broad objectives of NSS encompasses understanding self and developing a keen sense of social and civic responsibility towards the community and most importantly providing services that would improve the lives and environment one lives in.Stating that NSS Nagaland has good presence in as much as 48 institutions within the State, which according to our standard is a very good outreach, he said under the tutelage, guidance and initiative of Parliamentary Secretary for Youth Resources and Sports Khriehu Lezietsu, NSS activities in the State could be scaled up for the benefit of the Naga people.
Delivering the keynote address, Youth Officer, Regional Centre, NER Guwahati, SK Basumatary said the ultimate objective of the youth festival is to develop individual personality and leadership qualities of the youth.
The activities during the festival also will help them build positive attitude while also guiding them to become better citizens and contribute towards the development and progress of the society, Basumatary said.
Aimed at developing the personality of the younger generations of the region, hundreds of volunteers from the North Eastern states, including Sikkim, would be participating in different events such as cultural exchange, intellectual competitions and also visit some of the rural villages in Kohima district during the three-day festival. The festival is being sponsored by the Union Ministry of Youth Resources and Sports and hosted by Directorate of YRS, government of Nagaland.
The inaugural programme was compered by Vizovono Elizabeth while State Liaison Officer, NSS Nagaland, C Theyo delivered the welcome address.
Mizoram and Manipur State NSS volunteers showcased culture dances while Kenei Chale presented a special song.
YRS Parliamentary Secretary Khriehu Liezietsu, Commissioner Secretary Menukhol John and NSS Youth Officers from the different states also attended the inaugural function.
