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Our Correspondent
Kohima, July 19 (EMN): Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday advised students in the state not to limit their arena to a government job in the state but explore to fulfil their dreams and aspirations, saying that “the playground for an achiever extends to the entire world”.
He was speaking at the ‘Chief Minister’s Meritorious Student’s Fellowship’ programme held virtually to felicitate 51 students who secured top ranks in the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examinations 2020 conducted by the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE).
Rio expressed concern over “less Naga youth qualifying for the IAS and central services” of late. “These premier civil services are the best and shortest route available for our youth to occupy powerful and important positions in the Central government, as well as in various other states, including our own State,” he said while advising students to prepare for various competitive examinations under the UPSC.
Asserting that the world is a competitive world, the CM advised the students to select their line of study carefully; after considering their talents and subjects of interest so that the academic knowledge they gain supplement these and help in reaching out for their dreams, and build a successful career.
He congratulated the student achievers, stating that their success is the result of hard work and determination and expressed hope that “this is the beginning of more and bigger achievements, as you pursue your studies and your careers in life; and that, you will bring more laurels to the state in the future”.
He went on to congratulate the parents, schools and teaching fraternity for nurturing and moulding the students.
Stay focused amid hard times
The chief minister expressed happiness over students seriously pursuing their studies through online and other available means despite the hard times caused by the Covid-19, and the consequential lockdowns and standard operating procedures.
“The result of the last Board’s examination has shown that the pass percentage has improved. This is quite encouraging. It is a fact that for those brave hearts, hard times bring out the best in them. So, I urge the whole student community of Nagaland to be committed, stay focused, and not allow the present pandemic situation to stand in the way of their studies, or their future careers,” he said.
Rio encouraged the students to work harder “in this increasingly competitive world” and that they have to be amongst the best in whichever professional they take up.
Noting that they (rank holders) excelled in studies because of their discipline, hard work, academic knowledge and the mental strength to face tough situations, the CM said “these are important qualities that foretell a good future for you”. He also advised them to take care of their health through proper diet and exercise; which will also help them in dealing with the pandemic times better.
He went on to state that the government of India has launched a mission to impart skill to the youth force and that Nagaland is also participating and pursuing it seriously. He informed that various skill and vocational subjects were already being introduced at secondary and higher secondary levels in 35 government and three private schools, adding that education is incomplete without practical life skills.
While reminding that the world is changing at a face pace in every field, especially in science and technology, he said “the Education department needs to re-orient our education system, so as to equip our students to face the new world with confidence, and to help them realise their full potential, and to become productive and resourceful citizens”.
Earlier in the programme chaired by the principal director of School Education Shanavas C, student award recipients Azizi Phesao and Ngamjong Jn Yanlem delivered short speeches. Advisor of School Education KT Sukhalu, Chairperson of NBSE Asano Sekhose and Special Secretary of School Education and SCERT, Kevileno Angami also spoke at the event.