Only education will set a person free, says Nagaland MLA Dr. Yhome

CHIECHAMA — The society is changing, from parents forcing their children to study to information overload where the generation gap is widening over time due to the advancement of technology and social media, said Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, Advisor for School Education and State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT).

He was speaking at the 75th anniversary of Chiechama Students’ Union (CSU) at the Amphitheatre, Chiechama village, on Friday, as the inaugural guest.

Literacy has a broad meaning; it is not confined to writing and reading alone but includes various aspects such as financial and psychological literacy among others, which are evolving, he told the gathering.

Yhome said that education remains the top priority of the society and parents, and that it incurs a significant expense to the state exchequer.

There are about four lakh school-going children from primary to Class 12 in the state, with approximately 2.5 lakh studying in private schools and 1.5 lakh in government schools, he updated, adding that parents spend an average of INR 18,000 to 20,000 (annually) for a child’s education.

Asserting that society measures a person’s wealth not materially but by how much a family invests in their children’s education, he said only education will set a person free.

He told students that jobs in the government sector may have saturated but there are ample scope and opportunities in other sectors.

Highlighting the recent visit of the Ambassador of Japan to India, Hiroshi Suzuki, and his entourage in the recently concluded Hornbill Festival, and the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nagaland University for learning the Japanese language, he said there is potential for Nagas to work in Japan’s service sectors as well.

Yhome also spoke on

He also lauded CSU, terming its jubilee celebration as an example of inclusivity, understanding, and working towards common goals.

Thepfuneizo Metha, president of CSU, in his welcome address said the union has been carrying forward the legacy in pursuit of education since it was formed in 1948 and challenged the gathering to revitalize the age-old traditions of their ancestors.

Vituonyü Victor Dzeyie, Member Secretary of the Organising Committee, delivered the conference remark, while Chiechama Village Council Chairman, Mhalezolie Metha; Northern Angami Students’ Union (NASU) President, Atouzo Kerhuo; and Angami Students’ Union (ASU) President Khriesamhakie David Mere conveyed greetings.

During the programme led by Thepfukhrietuo Rüpreo, Convenor of the Organising Committee, CSU Choir presented a choral piece, while Aseno Metha performed a song, and a tribute song for Chiechama village presented by Neilakuonuo Metha, Vikhrienuo Mere, Thejakhrielie Rio and Khriezohu Rüpreo.

To mark the occasion, Dr. Yhome also unveiled a monolith in the presence of Chiechama village leaders and student union officials.

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