Int’l Youth Day observed across Nagaland

International Youth Day 2025 was observed across Nagaland with programmes held in Mon and Dimapur, highlighting the theme “Local Youth Action for SDGs” with a focus on HIV prevention, health promotion, and youth empowerment.
In Mon, the District Integrated Strategy for HIV and AIDS (DISHA), in collaboration with the Red Ribbon Club of Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Mon, and supported by NSACS, organised a programme at GHSS Mon.
Delivering the keynote address, Longyim, DPO DISHA, emphasized the role of youth as change agents and the importance of local-level awareness in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He elaborated on the UNAIDS 95-95-95 target under SDG 3, which aims to ensure that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed are on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95% of those on ART achieve viral suppression.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr Supongmenla Walling, highlighted the holistic definition of health—physical, mental, and social—and stressed the interconnection between education and health. She encouraged students to strive for excellence in both areas.
Earlier, the programme began with an invocation by Hongben Konyak, associate pastor Youth, KBCM. Ngamnyei Konyak, Counsellor M. ICTC, spoke on HIV transmission routes, while Longthrang Konyak, DIS, DISHA, chaired the event.
Following the programme, students joined motorcyclists in a rally carrying placards with messages on HIV and STI prevention and awareness. The event concluded with closing remarks by Ngipai Konyak, Nodal Officer, RRC, GHSS.
KOHIMA: District Integrated Strategy for HIV and AIDS (DISHA Cluster/DAPCU), Kohima, in collaboration with the Red Ribbon Club of Don Bosco College, Kohima, observed International Youth Day 2025 under the theme “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs: Preventing HIV & Promoting Health.”
The programme was chaired by Bendang Jamir, Red Ribbon Coordinator, Don Bosco College, Kohima. Fr Dr Tious Varghese, principal of the college, delivered the welcome address.
Sentimongla Tzudir, District Programme Officer, DISHA Cluster, Kohima, conducted a session on the routes of HIV and AIDS transmission, highlighting the importance of awareness and prevention among youth.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Vituozolie Kuotsu, District ICTC Supervisor, DISHA Cluster, Kohima.
Following the programme, a rally was organised led by bikers, with students holding placards bearing messages on HIV and STI prevention. Pamphlets containing information on HIV and AIDS were distributed along the route.
The rally commenced from Don Bosco College to Kohima College and returned to the starting point. A total of 120 students participated in the awareness rally.
NEISSR: Youth Development Specialisation of North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR), Dimapur, also observed International Youth Day under the theme “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond.”
Rev. Fr. G. L. Khing, vice-principal, NEISSR, exhorted the youth to be resourceful and responsible, describing them as “the Now of society.” He urged students to engage constructively and contribute towards nation-building, citing the National Youth Policy 2021 which emphasizes quality education, employment, youth leadership, health, sports, and social justice.
The programme, moderated by Roselyn Maria Reji, MSW 3rd Semester, featured segments including news headlines, personal sharing, special song, and thought of the day. It concluded with renewed encouragement for students to align their aspirations with the global vision of achieving the SDGs.