Minister Along urges Nagas to foster unity and embrace new ideas

WOKHA — Minister of Higher Education and Tourism, Temjen Imna Along, on Wednesday urged for transformation in the Nagas’ collective attitude, and to foster unity, prosperity, and an eagerness to embrace new ideas.

He said this during the 21st Biennial General Conference of the All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) in Wokha.

The minister, who attended the event as an inaugural guest, delved into what he termed the ‘biggest challenge’ facing the Nagas — their hesitancy to embrace criticism and philosophical corrections, resulting in problems with various institutions, including hohos, church bodies, political and social organisations, village councils, and NGOs.

He shed light on the importance of being open to constructive criticism, saying that everyone, regardless of their position, is subject to improvement and correction.

Underlining the central theme of the conference, ‘Perseverance,’ he said the Nagas have lost sight of this concept. “Solutions cannot be achieved individually,” he said while calling for unity among the Nagas and to transcend the self-imposed confines of their individual perspectives.

He also claimed that Nagas frequently create problems and then look to external sources for solutions, failing to take responsibility for their actions. Stressing the need for transformation in the Nagas’ collective attitude, he urged the people to foster unity, prosperity and the eagerness to embrace new ideas.

Furthermore, the minister pointed out the abundance of resources available to the Nagas and advised them to exercise prudence and wisdom in their utilisation. He also implored the audience to foster a culture of appreciation and mutual support.

Earlier in the day, the programme commenced with the unfurling of the ANCSU flag, followed by the inauguration of the monolith by the minister.

During the event, the convenor of the organising committee, Dievi Yano, urged everyone to recommit themselves to the principles of the union and continue to work towards improving the lives of the student community.

In his presidential address, ANCSU president, Toito D Chishi, expressed gratitude for giving him the chance to serve the union for six years. He said the conference is more than just an event, but a platform for collective brainstorming, strategising, and implementing ideas for common objectives.

He also highlighted the objectives of the conference- to educate, discuss and address concerns for the betterment of the fraternity and the society as a whole.

The co-convenor of the organising committee, Benjong Longchar, chaired the programme and Pastor Vitoho Swu, invoked God’s blessings. Peren Government College delivered a captivating cultural presentation while Kohima Science College (Autonomous) Jakhama presented a special number.

In the afternoon session, Senchumo NSN lotha graced the theme session, while the valedictory and election of the new team to ANCSU were held in the presence of Medovi Rhi, President of Naga Students’ Federation (NSF).

The new team of ANCSU is led by Tenysinlo Bokh as the President and Aronthung M Lotha as General Secretary.

Also read: NCERT panel for replacing India with Bharat in school textbooks