Minister of Health & Family Welfare, S. Pangnyu Phom said, until and unless student community become proactive and good implementers, the future of Nagas in general and Eastern Nagaland in particular will not develop and bring prosperity in any sphere.
S. Pangnyu Phom was speaking to the Eastern Nagaland College Students’ Union (ENCSU) on their 2nd general conference-cum-sports meet as guest of honour in Longleng on Tuesday.
While lauding the effort of ENCSU and other stakeholders of the region for extending tireless service to bring the Eastern Nagaland in every sphere with the rest of the Nagas, he asked them to be good listeners and participate in every field with a positive thought to move forward and determine the future of thousands of educated Nagas in general and Eastern Nagas in particular.
Pangnyu also said that harmful mindset like gossiping among the people should be eradicated by replacing it with knowledge of understanding. Agreeing that Nagas needed reformation in every aspect, starting from government set up to NGOs and private institutions, Pangnyu encouraged the students community to think wisely so that reformation in Naga society achieve positive results.
On employment sector, minister said government was overcrowded by employees and resources are being drained in salaries rather than to develop the state. He said that state government need to streamline this excess employment without wasting time and invest half of the budget in developmental sectors of the state.
He also informed that world richest people are entrepreneurs who work with full dedication where the society and government are controlled by them.
On the rich custom, tradition and culture, Phom said, one cannot escape from one’s custom and traditions, whereby he appealed to the Nagas to ensure that the rich culture, tradition and customs are not extinct because of modern technology.
Pangnyu also said that at each and every moment one criticises and comes up with ultimatum to the government. In this regard, he said that one should not misuse the liberty of criticising every move of the government, but rather be a sensible and responsible citizen and play vital role in making society more advanced and developed.
Minister also maintained that Eastern Nagas are second to none and by availing the reservation, it has forced them to be considered as second class in their own state. He therefore urged the gathering to work harder so as to abolish backward tag and quota and send a message to the rest of the world that Eastern Nagas can excel in every field without reservation.
Later, he also lighted the torch and declared the 1st ever ENCSU sports meet open. Minister was accompanied by host of department officers from Kohima and Longleng and public leaders and party members. Others who spoke gave short speeches included, president Eastern Nagaland Students’ Union Federation (ENSF) and Hq EAC Longleng.
Earlier, programme was compered by Lumthsa. L. Sangtam and Thrisela. I. Sangtam. Invocation was said Angphenla Phom, women secretary Phom Baptist Christian Association (PBCA), welcome address by Dr. Henshet Phom, principal Yingli College Longleng, presidential address by M. Longre Chang, president ENCSU, special song by Shamator College Students, and folk fusion by Wangkhao College Mon.