NIT must foster national integration: Imna Along

Minister of Higher Education and Tourism, Temjen Imna Along, has called upon the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Nagaland to serve not only as a center of academic excellence but also as a platform for fostering national integration.
Speaking at the valedictory session of the two-day national symposium on the Implementation of New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 held at NIT campus on February 28, the minister urged students to shoulder responsibility in advancing the nation’s development. He expressed optimism that graduates from the institute would emerge as scientists, innovators and technologists contributing meaningfully to India’s growth story.
Temjen Imna highlighted the diverse student composition of NIT Nagaland, noting that 50 per cent of the students are from the state while the remaining half represent states such as Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. This, he said, reflects the national character of the institute and provides a unique opportunity for students from varied backgrounds to learn together, thereby strengthening unity and integration.
He emphasized that NIT Nagaland should strive to become one of the best institutions in the country. Pointing to the progressive vision of the Government of India through NEP 2020, he expressed hope that engineers graduating from the institute would contribute not only to the development of the Naga people but also to the nation as a whole.
The minister also drew attention to the potential of smaller northeastern states such as Nagaland, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. Despite their relatively small populations, he observed, these states possess abundant land and resources. Institutions like NIT, he said, have a crucial role in ensuring that the region progresses in tandem with the rest of the country.
Calling for technological self-reliance, Along underscored the need for engineers and technologists to develop indigenous technologies and make independent decisions. He stressed the importance of promoting startups in the technology sector and lauded NIT Nagaland for its ongoing efforts. He challenged the institute to strengthen its contribution to India’s development and to nurture innovators who can drive the nation forward.
Director of NIT Nagaland, Prof. Dr. A. Elayaperumal, in his address, highlighted the importance of science, technology and entrepreneurship as key drivers of socio-economic development.
He informed that two major events were organized during the symposium — a science exhibition for school students and a symposium on NEP 2020 in the Northeast region.
Dr. Elayaperumal stated that the institute has revised its undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD curricula after more than a decade to align with national priorities and scientific advancements under NEP 2020. He added that NIT Nagaland has improved its physical infrastructure and is working towards strengthening digital facilities.
On challenges in implementing NEP 2020, the director acknowledged that attracting quality faculty remains a concern. However, he expressed confidence that the issue would be addressed with support from the state government. He further noted that NIT Nagaland has shown steady improvement in national rankings and aims to secure higher positions in the coming years. Expressing optimism, he said the institute aspires to emerge as a globally competitive institution while contributing significantly to the socio-economic development of Nagaland.
The programme also witnessed participation of dignitaries including Prof. Mohan V. Aware, director of NIT Arunachal Pradesh; Prof. Mahesh Chandra Govil, director of NIT Sikkim; and Prof. Deepak Sinha, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus.