Temjen Imna Along calls for healthy debates on pressing issues

KOHIMA: Minister of Higher Education and Tourism, Temjen Imna Along, on Thursday, said there is a lack of discourse in today’s society and called for healthy debates over pressing issues.

He said speaking during the three-day India’s International Movement to Unite Nations (IIMUN), Nagaland conference hosted by G Rio School, Kohima on Thursday.

‘Having healthy debates is the first thing to be called educated,’ he said and called upon the gathering of young students to talk and discuss issues.

“What is lacking in society today is discussion and discourse. The Nagas have the attitude of ‘I am right and you are wrong’which ends the discussion right there,” he said.

He added that even if one does not agree with the opinion of the other, he or she should listen and allow them to express their opinion and bring out an answer together.

He further said the initiative of IIMUN is “futuristic and strategic”, and it is something he did not get the opportunity to do as a young student.

The minister further cautioned the students against tribalism, which is a ‘major issue’ in the Naga society. He encouraged them to express their opinion and say what is in their heart.

At the same time, learn to accept everyone’s opinions with dignity, he said.

He also said that the “nation today is filled with certificate holders but not educated people, literate people doing un-literate things”. He urged the students not to waste time on petty issues but put effort and commitment in doing the right thing.

MLA Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhutso, in his address, urged students to develop critical thinking skills but also have distinct humanity skills, concepts to fight crime, poverty and try to develop a fair and just society.

“Every student is good at something and to develop the talent is their responsibility but to identify God’s gifted talent is through education,” he said.

Principal of G Rio School, Temsu Waten, said the school has hosted similar conferences several times which provide the youth with a platform to voice their opinions.

He said that young people will play a big role in how the world adapts to all challenges of today. He added that the conference gives opportunities to participants to learn about the nations, to have debates and come up with resolutions, and urged students to make the best use of the event.

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One of the panellists, Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, Shanavas C, while replying to a question on National Education Policy 2020, said that ‘education should be something which grows along with us’. “Unless the state government and the department work together, NEP will not be achieved,” he said.

Another panelist, Professor Darlando T Khathing, Vice Chancellor of the North East Christian University also spoke on the role of technology.

Hundreds of students from different schools across Nagaland will debate on various international, national and local issues. during the three-day event.