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Former ANCSU president, Medo Chirhah, addressing the students at the 38th ANCSU foundation day in Kohima on August 2.[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Kohima, August 2 (EMN): Against the backdrop of belligerent stance taken by most organisations to redress their grievances, student leaders were advised to refrain from using negative words like ‘ultimatum’ ‘demand’ and ‘fight’ while putting up grievances as such attitude could drive people ‘lose sense.’
Speaking at the 38th All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) foundation day today at NSF conference hall, Kohima, former president Medo Chirhah exhorted the student leaders to refrain from using negative words in their attempt to redress grievance saying ‘fight’ should be the last resort as it could drive people ‘lose sense’ and indicate the ‘beginning of defeat.’
Reminding the student leaders on the very purpose of forming the All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) way back in 1979 on the theme ‘Unity is strength’ to provide a common platform for all the college students and colleges in Nagaland, Chirhah, highlighted some issues that need to be addressed by the union.
Chirhah also reminded the leaders of its preamble which ‘solemnly resolved to constitute ourselves into the union for the uplift of the colleges in various fields with sincerity and dedication. To ameliorate education, preserve and promote culture dignity and integrity, and maintain fraternity, unity and cooperation among all the students of the colleges in Nagaland.’
He observed that most of the time, people forget to remember the objectives and purpose for which an organisation was formed thereby losing track and failing to achieve its objectives. He advised the leaders not to astray from its objectives as responsible student leaders and as an elite students’ organisation.
Stating that ANCSU is a unique organisation unlike any other as it comprises people of same age group, same intellectual level and vibrant youth full of hope, Chirhah opined that the society expects a lot from this organisation, and that the members need to give back to the society by contributing to the growth of the society at large.
Students’ organisations being a very powerful agent to bring about positive changes in the society, he asserted that at this time of confusion and turmoil both in political and social aspects, student leaders have more responsibility upon them and that they should not be complacent but rise to the occasion, exert and propagate our rights as citizens.
Sharing his concern on the mushrooming of private colleges and hostels in the State and expressing apprehension which could compromise with quality education, the students’ leaders were asked to approach the government and university in order that strict rules might be followed while giving recognition and affiliation.
Stating that education is the key to a bright future, he strongly asserted that education should not be compromised in any manner, lest the future of the young generation would be doomed.
“We should not compromise with the education system. When the education is compromised, the future of the future generation is doomed,’ Chirhah said and requested ANCSU leaders to take up the issue with the government and university.
Chirhah also challenged the students’ leaders to voice out on the present political scenario, non-payment of salaries, scholarships etc which are affecting the students’ community in general.
Strongly supporting the clean election campaign, Chirhah, while conceding that change cannot be expected overnight, called upon the students– the major components of voters - to put into practice ‘one person one vote’ to elect good and capable leaders towards a good governance.
He also urged the students to behave and act like students and do its primary duty as students, adding only then we can expect a bright future.
‘We should not lose hope but challenge ourselves to actualise our dreams by acting on it. Let us accept ourselves and be ourselves because if we cannot be what we are today, we cannot become what we want to become tomorrow,’ he added.
In his presidential address, Temjennungsang Jamir has acknowledged the pioneers of the union for building a strong foundation and farsighted vision to uplift the students’ community and the education system in the State.
Students of St, Joseph College, Jakhama, presented a special number. The programme was chaired by programme coordinator, Katho P Awomi.