Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio urges youth to propagate peace, harmony

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Aug. 19 (EMN): Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday called upon the youth of the state to propagate peace and harmony in the society.

Speaking during the inauguration of the golden jubilee building of Nagaland State Bharat Scouts & Guides (NSBS&G) at Bayavü in Kohima, the chief minister said it depends on the youth to make Nagaland a vibrant state and to catch up with the rest of the country in all aspects.

Rio, who is also the patron of Bharat Scouts and Guides, said the state is still tagged as “disturbed area” with the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in force in many parts of the state, but the youth, as backbone of the society, can propagate peace and harmony. Quoting the proverbs “An idle brain is a devil’s workshop” and “Idle hands are the devil’s playthings”, he said the youth should be responsible citizens and continue to serve the people.

He said that the Nagaland State Bharat Scouts & Guides is a part of the government organisation, and so, it is the bounden duty of the state government to extend help through grant and contribution from members as well as well-wishers.

He said the government provides financial help to many organisations but many do not make the best use of it. However, he expressed satisfaction with the report of the NSBS&G building construction committee, saying that the facility is a testimony of hard work, dedication and service rendered by all the family members, both past and present, of Bharat Scouts and Guides.

He encouraged young people from the state to enroll, saying that the Scouts & Guides is an international movement for the service of the people. He also called for district-wise enrolment and asked the members to motivate others to join the movement.

Recalling that he was awarded the Silver Elephant award, the highest national award of the Scouts & Guides movement in India, in 2015 by the President of India, he said it was because of the support and encouragement of the people.

“In life, it is more blessed to give then to receive, and therefore, when you are in service for others, you get pleasure in work and get lot of blessings,” he said.

Meanwhile, Advisor for Youth Resources and Sports, Zale Neikha, who is also the president of NBS&G, said the Bharat Scouts & Guides is a voluntary, non-political and educational movement for young people.

He informed that there are approximately 3000 scouts and guides enrolled as members, with more than 400 unit leaders and officials spread across Nagaland, while expressing hope that more students will join the family.

Neikha informed that with the creation of four new districts, more associations will be formed and additional units opened.

Earlier, state chief commissioner of NSBSG, Atuo Mezhur Sekhose, delivered the welcome address; and Convenor of the building construction committee and state treasurer, NSBSG, K Neibou Sekhose, presented the jubilee building construction report.

The programme was attended by minister for Agriculture and Co-operation, G Kaito Aye; minister for Higher Education and Tribal Affairs, Temjen Imna Along; Keneizhakho Nakhro, MLA, and a host of government officials.