The 57th conference of the Coco Area Students’ Union kicks off at Akuhaito town, Zunheboto district.
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DIMAPUR — The 57th conference of the Coco Area Students’ Union (CASU) kicked off at Akuhaito town, Zunheboto district, on Tuesday, with Principal Secretary of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, and Parliamentary Affairs, Y Kikheto Sema, as the special guest.
Addressing the gathering, Kikheto said that the inhabitants of the Coco area, consisting of four villages, have remained closely connected through thick and thin over the years, a DIPR report stated.
Recalling the past, he noted that about 35 years ago the area was severely underdeveloped, with no road connectivity, and the people faced immense hardships in their daily lives.
He highlighted that despite the fertile land and good agricultural yield, transportation remained a major challenge, forcing farmers to carry head-loads of produce and depend on barter trade with neighbouring villages and towns.
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In spite of such adversities, students from the area pursued education with determination and brought honour to the region by rising to prominent positions.
The Coco Area has produced three MLAs, one judge, one IAS officer, and several directors and secretaries, he said.
Stressing the importance of education, the principal secretary urged the present generation of students to study with dedication. He encouraged them to excel not only in education but also in other fields, so as to earn fame and honour for the people of the area.
Kikheto also emphasised the need to preserve cultural identity and traditions. He called upon the youth to inculcate the practice of learning and using their mother tongue.
While acknowledging that the area has witnessed some development over the years, but stated that much more remains to be done. For all-round development, he stressed the need for unity, cooperation, and the avoidance of division within society.
He appealed to the people to work collectively for shared prosperity, learning to forgive one another and live in love and harmony.
He encouraged the people to persevere through challenges, while reminding that by living exemplary lives, people can spread harmony beyond their area and bridge social gaps.
He also highlighted the Church’s equal responsibility in fostering peace and happiness in the land, keeping the larger public interest in view.
Kikheto further reaffirmed his commitment to the values of development, transparency, and public welfare, and assured continued cooperation with all stakeholders.
Concluding his address, he noted that the conference motto, ‘Synergy in action,’ should guide collective efforts towards progress.
Speakers of the three-day 57th conference of include Kahuto Sema, GB, and Yevito Chisho, retired director, SCERT.