Advisor of Civil Administrative Works Department (CAWD) and Taxes, Kudecho Khamo urged the scholars and students to harness their critical thinking skills to make a beneficial societal impact.
He was speaking at the inaugural programme of the two-day International Conference on Rethinking Economic Development in India: sustainability, livelihood, and efficiency at Nagaland University, Lumami, Zunheboto on October 12.
While highlighting the economic disparities, developmental disparities, and unemployment challenges within the state, Khamo underscored the importance of re-evaluating and promoting entrepreneurial initiatives among the younger generation.
The advisor stressed on the significance of knowledge and critical thinking as “valuable assets”, asserting that possessing knowledge is potent, while the capacity for thoughtful analysis constitutes one’s valuable resource. He emphasized on the crucial role of academia, researchers, and leaders in evaluating existing resources to formulate a well-defined path for economic development and maintained that without research, planning, and analysis, it was challenging to lead or direct an economy. He stated that vision, detailed facts, and figures are essential for progress.
He also pointed out that Nagaland possessed human and natural resources but remain economically dependent on the central government, despite its potential. Khamo expressed concerns that the existing state educational system primarily produces individuals seeking employment rather than those capable of generating job opportunities. He also noted that a significant portion of the population, including the elite, still regards government positions as the sole means of securing a livelihood and achieving success.
With a background in economics himself, Khamo urged economics scholars and students to embrace open-mindedness, self-assurance, and proficiency as they prepare to engage with the global arena and make valuable contributions to the economy.
Khamo urged young people to be valuable resources, active participants, and key contributors to the advancement of the state. He informed that Nagaland has the potential to establish itself as a center for organic agricultural products and tourism and highlighted the opportunities for entrepreneurial endeavors.
Vice-chancellor of ICFAI University, Prof. Saundarjya Borbora who delivered the key note address emphasized on the pressing worldwide need to establish economies that are both sustainable and all-encompassing.
Vice-chancellor in-charge and Dean of Social Sciences, Nagaland University, Prof. M.K Sinha highlighted on the necessity for achieving sustainable economic progress by striking a harmonious equilibrium among the environment, the economy, and social fairness.
HoD of the Department of Economics, Nagaland University, and president of Nagaland Economic Association (NEA), Prof. B Kilangla Jamir spoke on the NEA’s objective to serve as a forum where economists, researchers, policymakers, academics, scholars, and students can come together to share their thoughts and insights. She expressed hope that the conference’s outcome would positively impact the state and the country’s economy, with 90 abstracts received and 75 papers to be presented.
The programme was led by asst. professor, Department of Economics, Nagaland and Treasurer of NEA, Dr. Renbeni Kikon and vote of thanks was proposed by professor department of economics, NU and general secretary of NEA, Prof. Zarenthung Ezung.
Earlier, advisor Kudecho Khamo, who is a graduate from Nagaland University, received recognition for his remarkable achievements in the field of economics, and a conference memento was unveiled in his honor. The conference was organized by the Department of Economics, Nagaland University, in collaboration with Nagaland Economic Association (NEA).