‘Naga people need renewal of mind to move into future’

Sechü Zubza, May 21 (EMN): Noted social activist Niketu Iralu has appealed to the Naga people ‘approach the future with an ideal perspective if at all the Naga people were to move ahead as a people and society.’

Expressing concern at the many problems the Nagas are going through, Iralu observed there a ‘gap in connection with reality of life.’ He felt that “it is a matter of knowing ourselves in order to do the right things.”

Iralu was addressing a seminar themed ‘sustainable development–the future we want to see’ on Saturday at Kerünyü Ki, in Sechü Zubza, near Kohima town. The programme was organised by a local nongovernmental organisation North East Network.

In his address, Iralu said there was a need for each individual to ‘respond positively to overcome the challenges of our times.’

“It is important for us to understand the need to listen to God. We need to raise people who are going to search for doable things,” he said. “The Nagas should also identify what is doable and pursue the fight on war footing.”

“If the future we want is to be achieved, the Nagas would have to identify the most economically destructive things,” he said. One such concern, he pointed out, was that “truthful election will effectively deal with the kind of sustainable development.”

Iralu stressed the need promote and ‘upgrade’ the system of education in the primary schools, particularly the government lower primary schools in Nagaland, which he observed it to be in a pitiable condition.

By improving the education system at the primary level, he foresees that it will go a long way in realizing the aims and objectives of the education department. Nevertheless, it will also help in imparting quality education.

Former chief secretary of Nagaland Alemtemshi Jamir, who highlighted the Nagaland Vision 2030 document, said “the Vision 2030 document is basically focused on the economic development of the state.”

‘It also incorporates some critical issues such as peace, governance, social justice and equity that are essential for economic development and growth.’

On the topic “environmental concerns in Nagaland,” various speakers including Liangsi John, director C-CERP; Lipechem Sangtam, journalist; Dr Nesatalu Hiese, scientist D, NASTEC; Rev Amop Noklang, director, Nagaland Development Outreach; and Rev Dr Yiepetso Wezah, principal, BTC, Pfutsero spoke about their experiences.