Minister Kruse calls for critical thinking to foster innovation at KSCJ freshers meet

JOTOSMA — Nagaland’s Minister for Women Resources and Horticulture, Salhoutuonuo Kruse, urged students on Thursday to use critical thinking to foster innovation and change.

She said this while addressing the 61st freshers social of the Kohima Science College Jotsoma (KSCJ), held at the college’s auditorium.

Kruse asked the students to have critical thinking to bring about positive change, pointing out that it has become mandatory for everyone to think differently and beyond the norm.

She also emphasised the impact that KSCJ has had on society since its inception in 1961, and thanked the faculty and staff for their tireless contributions.

“Our Naga society needs people who think differently and think beyond our normal understanding of being in a society,” said the minister.

Noting that the NEP 2020 promotes multi- and inter-disciplinary studies, where students can take any subject as a minor or major paper, giving them a broader perspective in the future, she encouraged students to take advantage of this opportunity and cater to all-round development and knowledge from various disciplines.

She asserted that to drive innovations and technology forward, young people need to think differently and beyond their comfort zones, adding that innovative ideas and creativity will come only when they think differently.

The minister maintained that problem-solving is the key skill required for adapting to change, facing challenges, and solving problems not only for themselves but also for society.

Underscoring that critical thinking and thinking differently stimulate curiosity, she said curiosity will allow a person to dig and delve deeper in life to get a better result, which she added will allow a person to remain a lifelong learner.

Earlier, Angukali Wotsa, general secretary, KSCJ, delivered the welcome address, while Shekhosa Ruho spoke on behalf of seniors and Thanggoumang Lotjem spoke on behalf of freshers. Visasietuo Miachieo led the programme, and special songs were performed by Ihmanhring Susanna Hranglim and Temsusunep.

Miss Nagaland Hikali Achumi and musician K L Pamei made special appearances during the informal session.

On the occasion, the college also presented awards to students in various categories. Munuho Lohe (Geography with a CGPA of 8.63) and Neingusanuo Kire (Botany with a CGPA of 9.11) won the Governor Awards for best male and best female, respectively.

The Dr. Neilhouzhu K Angami Award for Life Sciences went to Neingusanuo Kire (Botany) and Nourhevinuo Whorie (Zoology), while Mayank Mishra received the Vizol Angami Award for Physics. Munuho Lohe (Geography) and Yarenbenla (Geology) received the J B Jasokie Award for Earth Science.

Khrishna Adhikari received the Akum Imlong Award for Chemistry, and Shanchobeni Y Ovung (Mathematics) and Washirenla Longkumer (Computer Science) received the Rev. Haizotuo Munshi Award for Mathematics and Computer Science. The K Sekhose Award for Anthropology and English was given to Thejavinuo Guozi Seyie (Anthropology) and Keviphrono Suokhrie (English).

Sagar Bhusal, C Hennyukonlen Phom, and Dina Rai received the Future Rock Star Award, Stellar Award, and Geographia Award, respectively.

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