KOHIMA, AUGUST 12: The UN International Youth Day 2016 was commemorated for university students and non-student youth at the IG Stadium Kohima today. The programme was organised by the Women Studies Centre and Department of English, NU, in collaboration with the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute for Youth Development, Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs and Rotary Club, Kohima.
Pro-Vice Chancellor of Nagaland University, Prof. P Lal said the day is observed to create mass awareness on the cultural and legal issues concerning the youngsters. Dwelling on the impacts of climate change, he said the present generation should optimise the use of available resources for the betterment of future generation.
Resource persons from different backgrounds spoke on relevant themes for the celebration under the United Nations theme of eradicating poverty and achieving sustainable production and consumption.
Former State Chief Secretary, Alemtemshi Jamir, spoke on youth and sustainable development and encouraged the university students to think of the larger picture. He outlined the sustainable development goals, agriculture, health, educational facilities, water, power, gender issues, climate change and good governance. The former development expert highlighted international goals in the Naga context and encouraged them to think of reforming and restructuring.
Dr. AJ Sebastian, Academician and noted youth animator, spoke on the challenges for 2030 and dwelt of the vibrant energy of the youth and outlined different strategies and experiences for success in life. He said failure means success because it gives a second chance to the youth to try again and share various personal experiences of young people who have become success stories today.
‘There is a hero, heroine in each one of you all. You are angels created and blessed by God,’ he added.
Dr. Rosemary Dzuvichu, Director of Women Studies Centre and president of Rotary Club, Kohima, spoke on the importance of youth as ‘Peace builders in a society ravaged by all kinds of conflict for decades.’ Citing examples of peace work by youth in Nepal and Lebanon, she called upon the youth to be the ambassadors of peace.
‘You are the intellectuals of the Naga society, the future leaders, who must learn to go beyond the narrow boundaries of tribe, village and state and think globally,’ said Dziivichii.
‘Culture is not static, so while preserving tenets of culture, university life must teach you to change with the changing times and be an important influence and guide for the community that you come from. The role of youth in peace building is often ignored by the Naga society, but the reality of the decades of armed struggle has seen thousands of our youth join political groups and the best people to reach out for peace are the young people themselves. They must be included in policy making for the future because your voice matters.’
Dziivichii asserted that decision making must be inclusive of young voices, while stating that violent conflict arises from social exclusion, injustice, lack of development and violation of human rights and Naga youth have seen such situations. Therefore ‘Do not be voices only in social media with complaints every day, but learn to speak out, write to policy makers, meet them and be the changemaker,’ she maintained.
Underlining the importance of a gender equitable society, she said the youth of today must be gender friendly, have respect for their female counterparts and walk together as partners. She challenged the university students and other youth present to form a group of peace volunteers that could help and build healthier relationships amongst Nagas and be voices for peace.
Musicians Yangermongla and Esther Dailian entertained the gathering of youth with special numbers.
In a related programme, the International Youth Day was organized by 25 NL (1) Coy NCC Mokokchung in its office complex on August 12 where Yapangla, GT of GHS Dilong, delivered motivational lecture to the NCC cadets representing different schools and colleges. She urged the youth to aim high in life by taking one step at a time with hard work, honesty and dedication.
OC NCC, Srinivas said, ‘We are living in a world where we want more peace. The only thing that can change the world is the youth.’
The programme was chaired by Associate NCC officer (ANO), Tialiba, while the invocation was said by Lanu, deacon of MTBA.
To mark the day, around 150 NCC cadets representing Government Higher Secondary School Mayangnokcha, Government High School Dilong, Queen Mary Higher Secondary School and Fazl Ali College Mokokchung carried out the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan Mission at Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital, Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Tongdentsuyong ward and Chuchuyimpang.
Meanwhile, NCC girl cadets of Sazolie College, Jotsoma, observed the International Youth Day on August 12. It also organised a social work along with the NSS units of the College as a part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Around 400 students, including 52 cadets participated in the programme along with the ANO and faculty members of the College.
