Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture and chairman NSAMB, Dr. Benjongliba Aier inaugurated 51st Changkikong Students’ Conference at Waromung village, Wednesday evening held under the theme “pursuing self sustenance.”.
The guest of honour while speaking at the inaugural programme, urged the students to work very hard and to contribute to the society maintaining that simply getting a degree was not enough but how one serve the society was more important.
On the theme of the conference, “pursuing self sustenance,” Dr. Benjongliba Aier pointed out that there are more than 60,000 registered educated unemployed youth in the society.
Saying that most of the educated youth aspire for a government job, Dr. Benjongliba discouraged the practice but to opt for private jobs especially entrepreneurship. He said that if one was self-sustaining then he/she would not be liability but become an asset in the society.
While paying rich tributes to the pioneers from Changkikong range, Dr. Benjongliba maintained that there have been many pioneers who have contributed immensely in the field of education and Christianity, not only in the Ao areas but also in different parts of the Naga areas.
While speaking about the present ‘opposition-less’ government in the state, Dr Benjongliba termed it as a big miracle and added that the legislators from the different parties have joined with the DAN government with the hope to bring peace and development in the state.
In the same manner, the parliamentary secretary hoped that the Naga Political Groups would unite and come under one banner for a lasting peace in the society.
The main speaker at the programme, Dr. Lanusangla Tzudir, publisher and chief editor of Heritage Publishing House – Dimapur, while speaking on the theme of the conference, said that a time has come for the Naga youth to act towards achieving self sustenance.
She maintained that while the Naga youths are waiting for a government job, others are “hijacking” the Naga economy with all the businesses being dominated by the non-locals.
In this regard, Dr. Lanusangla called for a change in mindset and attitude and added that it was time for the youths to start acting, take calculated risks to achieve a self-sustaining life.
For this, she said that there should be a “rethink” the concept of education and a “re-evaluation” of the education system in the society.
While saying that formal education was very important, Dr. Lanusangla however said that skill development and vocational education has become very important in this age so that the youths can be turned into skillful workers to work in different fields.
Moreover, Dr. Lanusangla challenged the participating students to make a personal resolution that when they go back, they would find a means to act towards achieving a self-sustaining life as they go on with their life.
Meanwhile, Waromung Shisashir Telongjem raised the curtains through a play while the pastor of Waromung Baptist Church, Tsuktimeren invoked God’s blessings.
Waromung Village Council chairman, Lanumeren said the welcome address while Changkikong Senso Mungdang president, Imtipokyim, Japukong Kaketshir Mungdang president Rongsenmongba and SDO PHED, Mokokchung Tinu Longchar said short speeches.
Altogether 350 delegates from the different villages under the Changkikong range are participating in the three day conference.
On January 7, minister for School Education & SCERT, Yitachu will grace the first programme as the chief guest.