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Repeating the impressive performance of 2023, four candidates from Nagaland -- Tolino Chishi, Alemyim Isaac, Imsurenla Longkumer and Chubalemba B Chang -- have made the state proud by cracking the UPSC civil services examination, the results of which were declared on April 16. The state’s performance in the prestigious exam since Richard Yanthan ended the 13-year-long UPSC drought in 2020 is nothing short of an inspiration, especially for aspirants and students. Such success stories instill confidence and competitive spirit in the minds of young people, serve as a beacon of light when employment opportunities in the state, specifically in the government sector, are dwindling, and send out a clear message that hard work and perseverance pay dividends. Our society needs more such stories, not just in academics and central competitive exams but also in other sectors and professions. Encouragingly, the state is witnessing a significant improvement in sports too, as was seen in its performance in the National Games and the recent North East Games, where it jumped from the fifth spot in previous editions to the second in the medal tally, winning a total of 134 medals, only next to India's sports powerhouse, Manipur. The state is also witnessing a surge in the number of people taking up entrepreneurship. This progress may be baby steps but it is a much-needed one for sustainable growth and towards building a self-reliant economy.
Success, be it in academics, business, sports or any profession for that matter, is a tapestry woven with threads of hard work and unwavering determination. It may take longer than expected for states like Nagaland to see a visible change, owing to prolonged neglect and complacency, but it has to start somewhere. It’s high time the state start working on increasing the pace of progress in all fields. For this, it is pertinent to create a conducive environment for youth to excel in the field of their interest. For instance, the state’s impressive performance in sports can be attributed to the government’s emphasis on the sector, including the construction of sporting complexes, organising sporting events and providing support to sportspersons. If a little push such as this can bring about so much change, one can only imagine what athletes from the state could achieve if provided with world class facilities. This applies to all professions and sectors of the economy. The fact that most of the candidates from Nagaland who cleared the UPSC exam in the last few years did their studies in colleges based in the state should motivate the government to invest more in institutions and sectors that will help nurture and shape the dreams of the youth.