CNSA’s 5th general conference underway

The 5th General Conference of the Central Nagaland Students’ Association (CNSA) commenced on Thursday at IMC Hall, under the theme “The Power of Possibilities”.
Addressing the gathering as the special guest of the inaugural session, Advisor for Labour & Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, and Excise, Moatoshi Longkumer lauded the efforts of CNSA in bringing together students from different communities under one platform, while emphasizing the importance of youth in shaping the future of Nagaland.
He also expressed his pleasure to be in the midst of many bright and young minds of the state, teeming it “remote yet culturally rich corner of India”.
Referring to the theme, “The Power of Possibilities,” Longkumer said it could not have come at a more significant time, when young people were facing both unprecedented challenges, and exciting new opportunities.
He however pointed that before speaking of possibilities, one must also speak the truth, asserting that truth is, “Our young people are facing many real, deep, and difficult challenges”.
Longkumer stressed on four key challenges faced by youths of Nagaland, which include, “Challenge of Limited Opportunities”, “Challenge of Identity and Voice”, “Challenge of Addiction and Mental Health”, and “Challenge of Corruption and Frustration”.
On the challenge of limited opportunities, he said that many youths are held back not by lack of talent, but by lack of opportunity. “Jobs are few. Industries are underdeveloped. Many young people are forced to leave the state in search of employment or higher education. But those who stayed, often feel left behind – unsure if their dreams have room to grow in their own land”, he stated.
He however challenged the gathering by stating that where opportunities are lacking, innovation must rise, and thereby urged youths not to wait for doors to open, but to build them.
“Start small, start local, but start strong. Your passion can become your purpose”, he stated.
On the challenge of identity and voice, Longkumer noted that in a diverse land such as our state, it is easy to feel lost between tradition and modernity.
He acknowledged that many young people struggle with identity, how to stay rooted in tribal heritage while reaching out to a global future, with the feeling that their voices go unheard in the larger national conversation.
He however pointed that their voice matters. “Your culture is not a weakness but rather it is your strength. The world doesn’t need you to become someone else. It needs you to become fully and proudly who you already are”, he stated.
On the challenge of addiction and mental Health, he called for the gathering not to this serious crisis brewing up in our society.
He maintained that substance abuse and mental health struggles is a growing threat for the youth, lamenting that many suffer in silence, facing family pressure, isolation, and hopelessness with no one to talk to.
He thereby urged for a community that listens, supports, and heals, and not one that judges.
On the challenge of corruption and frustration, Longkumer pointed that too often, younger generation see corruption in politics, in public services, and even in opportunities that should be fair.
He thereby challenged the present generation youth to not give in to corruption, but rises up. “Overcome injustice, not with violence or hatred, but with education, integrity, and vision. Be leaders who are clean, clear, and courageous”, he stated.
Dwelling on the theme “Power of Possibilities”, he acknowledged that though challenges are real, he however said that the power to circumvent lies within each youth.
Ending his speech, he urged the students to rise up and to believe that leaders, artists, scientists, entrepreneurs and pacesetter would emerge from our state.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by president, Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM), Lanutoshi Aier, invocation offered by promoter, Department of Mission & Evangelism, WSBAK, Samuel Achumi, and welcome address by convenor, organizing committee, S Bendang Aier.
A special number was also presented by Atto Achumi, while brief history of CNSA was delivered by Administrator, Kohima Law College, Limaakum Jamir, and greetings message by chairman, Lotha Hoho, Er Mhondamo Ovung.