NLA speaker Chotisuh graces CSU conference

EMN KHUZA TOWN, JANUARY 21 NAGALAND Legislative Assembly (NLA) speaker Chotisuh Sazo today graced the 67th general conference of the Chakhesang Students Union (CSU) here under the theme ‘Catalyst for reformation- culture and education’. Speaking on the occasion, he said that youth force should be channelled into positive force. He regretted that many of the youth in the present society are idle and involved in self destructive activities, adding that this was because they have not been motivated towards involving in positive activities. It must be noted that people in their youth and the students’ life are the most energetic period of life. Besides they are in the most productive stage of life. Our society would lose so much if this truth is not realized, he said. The Speaker urged upon the students to re-invent the value and dignity of labour, saying Instead of aiming for only government jobs and other white collared jobs, they should hone up their skills and technical know how, and becomes skilled workers, technicians and managers in private companies or in their own farms and establishments as entrepreneurs, reduce our dependency on outsiders for all sorts of skilled and unskilled jobs, if we are to become self reliant and self respecting people. We should be physically and mentally prepared to do all the jobs needed for our development, as well as for our daily existence. Referring to information technology and communication, Sazo said students have to adapt to the changing situation in a right ways. He urged upon the students to cultivate the spirit of competition, strong determination, hard labour and confidence in themselves so that they can excel in pursuit of both educational and professional. Stating that agriculture sector is the main source of economy and employment in Phek district, he however regretted that the income generated through agriculture is negligible as there is no mechanized farming. Lack of marketing infrastructure and linkages have been the major impediments in producing surplus in agricultural sector, he said adding that there is no facility for cold storage, proper warehousing, grading etc. Lack of transport infrastructure and credit facilities are the factors responsible for low level of commercialization. He stressed on the need to change the attitude of the people from marginal farming to that of professional and commercial farming. We have to improvised our traditional technologies and upgrade them into our benefit, he said adding that the main focus of every nation in todays world is the economic independency. Stating that from the approach of getting merely general education we must move on to specialized education, he said studies and trainings in various professional skills must be encouraged and supported beyond a certain level of general education if we are to race with the rest of the world. He stated that a great task lies before the students to take Chakhesang community to a much higher level of economy and education. The Speaker said students are expected to have progressive thinking and visions for the people and the country. He wanted the students to become more vigilant, and more involved in various aspects of governance and development process in keeping with the conference theme Catalyst for reformation- culture and education. He said that with the emergence of urbanization and the flow of rural population to urban areas in our society, we have also seen the evolution of new ways of life. The traditional of a close-knit society that we used to know is hardly seen anymore. The feeling of belonging, social responsibility and cooperative living has been replaced with the culture of selfish, individualistic motives among many people in our society. It pains our heart to notice such trends that are detrimental to the good of our society and such trends must be reversed. We must preserve, promote and transmit the aspects of our culture which are good and worthy of cherishing, he said. Minister for PWD (Roads & Bridges) and parliamentary affairs Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu also graced the occasion as the guest of honour. Naga Students Federation (NSF) president Tongpang Ozukum also shared greetings while CSU president Thupukutho Lohe delivered presidential address. Meanwhile, minister for school education CM Chang will grace the cultural session on January 22 from 10 am onwards.