CM Rio urges youth to embrace meritocracy

KOHIMA — Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, on Monday, emphasised the growing global trend of meritocracy and urged the youth to embrace it.

He said this as the special guest at the golden jubilee celebrations of Chiechama Village Youth Organisation (CVYO) at Amphitheatre, Chiechama, Kohima, and encouraged the youth to cultivate a competitive spirit, starting from their homes, families, and villages. Also, he highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to empower them.

He advised the youth to respect and seek the blessings of the elders, stating that when this is combined with one’s talent and energy, one can go further.

While paying tribute to the pioneers on the occasion, he maintained that Chiechama is the largest village in the Northern Angami Assembly Constituency and that neighbouring villages look up to the people of the village.

He added that Chiechama is his ancestral village and praised it for being a trailblazer in many areas. He also urged the citizens to maintain the village’s and the Angami tribe’s prestige.

Rio opined that while the Chakhesang tribe has a backward tag, they are fast moving ahead in sports, music, education, and competitive exams, and advised the Angamis not to remain complacent. He advised using the golden jubilee celebration as an opportunity for the youth to reflect and push themselves forward.

He emphasised the importance of upholding democratic principles and practices within society and expressed concerns that failing to do so could lead to destructive consequences. He implored everyone to come together and live in unity.

Rio also noted that, thanks to Christianity and education, Nagaland now has the lowest crime rate in the country and that, while the unresolved Naga political issue had caused unrest, post-ceasefire and ongoing negotiations for two decades have greatly improved the law and order situation.

Earlier, the presidential address was delivered by Delie Metha, president of CVYO while greetings were delivered by Vikholie Rio, former president of CVYO and Neitso Sogotsu, village council member, Chiechama.

In commemoration of the celebration, Rio also unveiled the golden jubilee monolith, while the dedicatory prayer was offered by Rev. Levi Rio, pastor of CRC Chiechama.

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