Let meritocracy be our zeal, says Imna Along

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Oct. 23 (EMN): Choose meritocracy and be free from the shackles of corruption and fear but stand for truth, Minister of Higher Education and Tribal Affairs Temjen Imna Along told Naga youth on Saturday.

He was addressing the 20th Biennial General Conference of All Nagaland College Students Union (ANCSU) at Kohima Science College (Autonomous), Jotsoma on the theme “Heralding Success”.

The minister urged the students to retrospect and work hard with consistency, vision and commitment at all cost.

While describing the Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB) as sensible and good for the youth of the state, he pointed out that the leadership in the government also faced with the demand of the public. In this regard, he challenged the students to work hard, write exams and not seek other means to get job.

There’s ripple effect of rebellion ever since statehood, a hindrance in many ways, he asserted, adding that he “stands for meritocracy”.

He maintained that there is a growing pressure from educated unemployed following the recruitment ban, while mentioning the recent steps taken by the state cabinet to begin recruitment, which was subsequently challenged by the court.

While stressing on the serious need for commitment to herald its desires for the future, he urged the student community to work hard and be steady. He told the gathering that hypocrisy should be done away with if they want to build the state’s future beyond this generation.

‘Assumptive youths hindering change’

The minister lamented that people of Nagaland are very good at rhetoric, which is intended to do without hurting anyone, but end up hurting everyone.

Citing accusations and dramas on social media without forum for discussion to bring about change and constructivism, he pointed out that assumptive, presumptive and socially selective youths are hindering change in the society.

He also emphasised on the need to start living a humble and practical life; to have hope and raise leaders free from corruption, speak the truth, and free from the shadows of gun and nepotism.

He told the students to be the beacons of hope and unite the people without fear but with dignity and truth. He added that the prosperity of the state would not be determined by wealth but ‘GDP of happiness of its people’.

ANCSU President Vimeyiekho Vitso, in his presidential address, encouraged the students to develop a positive mindset and be innovative. He added that the pioneers and leaders of ANCSU have been immensely contributing towards the welfare of the student community and the society at large ever since the union was formed in 1979.

Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) President Kegwayhun Tep and Social and Cultural Secretary of NSF, Benjong Longchar, also spoke at the event.

To commemorate the event, a souvenir was released by the minister. A clock tower was also inaugurated at Kohima Science College (Autonomous) Jotsoma.

Chaired by former speaker of ANCSU Kezhazer Angami, the conference also saw special presentations from Kris College, Kohima; Rokono Mekro; and SD Jain Girls College, Dimapur.