Nagaland: LSU 53rd general conference enters day-two

The second day of the 53rd General Conference of the Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) evening session was held on Thursday witnessed a literary session at old Changsu.
Addressing the gathering as guest speaker, Orenthung Lotha, commissioner and secretary, cooperation and IPR, government of Nagaland, and president of the Lotha Officers’ Association, described Generation Z as one of the most privileged generations, stating that the world today is literally “in their hands.”
Referring to the internet revolution that began in the 1990s, he said access to information, once limited to the wealthy, is now available to everyone. However, he cautioned that technology comes with both positive and negative impacts.
Lotha warned that excessive dependence on technology could reduce peer interaction, which may negatively affect mental and social development. He emphasized that meaningful interaction enhances brain activity and analytical thinking. He also stated that while artificial intelligence now plays the role of mentor and tutor, it is the responsibility of individuals to filter information wisely and use it for the upliftment of the community and society at large.
Highlighting leadership, Lotha said student life is a training ground for future leaders. He also raised concern over unemployment in Nagaland, noting that the issue cannot be addressed by the government alone and requires active participation from students, NGOs, and civil society.
According to official data, Nagaland has around 71,000 registered unemployed youth. With the government targeting the creation of 20,000 jobs, Lotha said it would take nearly 35 years to absorb the current unemployed population. He stressed the need for specialization, skill-based education, and informed career choices, especially in the absence of strong industrial and private sectors in the state.
He urged parents not to pressure students solely towards government jobs, encouraging them instead to pursue careers in private sectors, entrepreneurship, or skill-based professions to sustain their livelihoods. Excessive pressure, he cautioned, could lead to mental distress and negatively affect overall well-being.
Emphasizing skilling and artificial intelligence, Lotha said analytical skills and market-relevant competencies are crucial in today’s competitive environment. “Not everyone can succeed, but those who can must strive to become better,” he added.
Touching on demographic concerns, Lotha cited research indicating that fertility rates have declined to 1.7, warning that if it falls below 2, the trend could become irreversible. He called on the young Naga generation to remain active, informed, and responsible.
He also highlighted economic challenges, noting that Nagaland’s per capita income is less than Rs.2 lakh, whereas achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat would require it to exceed Rs.10 lakh. He stressed that this goal demands collective effort and a shift in mindset, particularly in career planning. The literary session began with an invocation by Erenbeni E. Kinghen, women pastor of Old Changsu Baptist Church, followed by greetings from Zuchobemo Jungi, president of the Central Naga Students’ Association (CNSA). A special song was presented by Rhontsuthung Ovung.
The session also featured a debate on the topic, “Should Nagaland unlock its mineral wealth to drive development?”, followed by the declaration of results.