Rio tells Chang students to be rid of ‘backward’ tag

DIPR Tuensang, December 21 Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio has asked the Chang students’ community to strive to ‘remove’ the mindset of being “backward” from their minds and instead focusing on making the best of education. Likewise, he encouraged the community to work for development. The chief minister was addressing the inaugural function of the golden jubilee celebrations of the Confederation of Chang Students’ Union. The programme was held on December 19 at Loyem Memorial ground in Tuensang town. Rio attended the celebrations as the event’s chief guest. He inaugurated the event and unveiled the ‘jubilee monolith’ marking the celebrations. Addressing the gathering, the chief minister emphasized on the importance of education and the benefits it can give to the society and individuals. Neiphiu Rio said imparting education to children in time should be the responsibility of parents. The village education committees of the villages, Rio said should make use of their given powers ‘in proper manner’. Without elaborating he said further that the committees must function as a bridge between the government and the public for educational development’ of the people and the areas. Also, Neiphiu Rio said the path to a “market-oriented” economy ‘depends on educated youths.’ If they can harness the economy, the change can lead to the suppression of “salary oriented economy” of the state of Nagaland. Speaking on the social conditions of the state, Neiphiu Rio challenged the gathering to ‘build a vibrant society’ by removing from their minds the perception of backwardness. He urged the community to remove the tag of ‘backward’ by emphasizing more on education and development. The chief minister also told the community that the unity of the Nagas is the vehicle on which they will advance into development. Everyone should work on it to have a ‘better and united’ Naga people, he said. Rio appealed to the students and youth of the community to work hard to secure a successful future as the fruit lies in the hands of the educated youths. Minister for Education CM Chang, Minister for Industries & Commerce S Pangnyu Phom also attended the programme, among parliamentary secretaries and legislators. A host of government officials and dignitaries were also present in the inaugural programme.