Northeast youths told to spread message of peace; moment of silence observed for violence-hit Manipur

KOHIMA — Amid the simmering tension in Manipur after the ethnic clashes that erupted earlier last month, youths from eight states of the Northeast India, who in Nagaland for the Northeast National Service Scheme (NSS) Festival, were told to spread the message of peace.

The five-day festival, which started on June 13 on the theme “Youth – the change makers”, concluded on the 17th. It was organised by NSS Cell Nagaland, department of Youth Resources and Sports, at St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama (Autonomous).

Speaking during the valedictory function on Saturday, Kethosituo Sekhose, Director of Youth Resources and Sports, Government of Nagaland, stressed the need to spread the message of peace throughout the Northeast, which he said, is the need of the hour.

Despite the diversities, rich traditions and cultural heritages, there is a common trait in yearning for peace and development in each and every part of the region, he said. “It is only through peace, an atmosphere of learning can be achieved,” he added.

Sekhose also appealed to the delegates from the violent-hit Manipur to convey the message of peace back home.

Treat others they way you want others to treat you; don’t dominate or oppress others which is against the principles of equality, respect and fairness, he told the gathering.

The official also asked the NSS volunteers to propagate whatever good they learned during the festival to others and take home sweet memories of Nagaland.

Read: 44 villagers admitted to hospital after consuming fish in Longleng

Zeneikho-o Pfukha (Benedict), State NSS Officer, informed that the festival was held with the objectives to instill the values of good ethics, behaviour, group living and dignity of labour; to inculcate the values of social harmony and national integration as well as to develop leadership quality among the youths of the Northeast.

The mega event, which was sanctioned by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Regional Directorate of NER NSS, Guwahati, for 300 NSS contingents from all the eight northeastern states, was also aimed at informing the youngsters about career prospects and employability as well as different social and youth-related issues.

Speaking during the valedictory programme, NC Deori, Youth Officer, NER NSS, Guwahati; and Prof. Bendang Ao, PC, NSS Cell Nagaland University, Lumami, stressed the need to go beyond voluntary service and promote peace. Sikkim contingent presented a song, while Mizoram contingent performed a cultural dance and PO Tripura, Saibal Debbarma gave a report of the festival.

The five-day festival saw several resource persons discussing various youth-related issues and other topics such as yoga, self-defense, substance abuse, introduction to mission LiFE, nature cure,  personality development, life skills, and youth and peace development in Northeast India. They were also given tips on how to write CV/resume and face interviews.

Besides engaging in various activities, the delegates visited villages and tourist spots like Khonoma and Kohima War Cemetery, and carried out cleanliness drive at Kisama Heritage village.

The gathering also observed a moment of silence during the occasion as a sign of solidarity to Manipur, which is hit by violence since early last month.