Metsubo hails NSF as ‘pillar and beacon of unity’ at 31st GC

Rural Development & SIRD minister Metsubo Jamir, addressing the inaugural session of the three-day 31st General Conference of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) at Tseminyu, described the Federation as a steadfast “pillar and beacon of unity” that continues to inspire Nagas worldwide despite challenges.
Speaking as the inaugural guest, hosted by the Rengma Students’ Union under the theme “Resilience in Transition” at RSA Ground, Metsubo urged students to draw lessons from the sacrifices of the past while preparing to navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected future.
Highlighting the importance of cultural identity, Metsubo said it was not merely about nostalgia but a foundation for emotional well-being, self-esteem and social cohesion. It provided a compass in times of change, he said, and encouraged the revival of indigenous practices and languages as a means of strengthening collective resilience.
Linking cultural preservation with global education, Jamir stressed that education must equip youth with critical thinking, adaptability and intercultural understanding. He remarked that “global education and cultural preservation are complementary forces—one opens the mind; the other anchors the soul.”
He further called on student organisations like NSF to foster dialogue, organise cultural exchanges and promote global unity while staying grounded in Naga identity. He reminded that courage and compassion should guide their leadership.
Delivering his presidential address, NSF president Medovi Rhi said the Federation was “the very heartbeat of the Nagas,” founded in 1947 on the principles of unity and defence of political and cultural rights. He said the present generation had a solemn duty to safeguard this legacy.
Tracing NSF’s journey, Rhi said it had stood against corruption, fought for students’ rights and meritocracy, and voiced concerns over illegal immigration. He clarified that the Federation’s stand was not against genuine Indian citizens but against unchecked illegal entry that deprived Nagas of opportunities and dignity.
On the conference theme, Rhi described “Resilience in Transition” as a call to action against complacency. He cautioned that resting on past laurels would breed mediocrity and urged Nagas to rise above ego and division, to unite “beyond all borders.”
He reminded that Naga forefathers had once stood united against external forces and that today’s youth must also build bridges, choose empathy over suspicion, and strengthen unity over division. “Only then,” he said, “can we leave behind a strong and unified house for the unified lim and glory of the Nagas.”
Earlier, Metsubo Jamir unveiled the monolith, while Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, pronounced the dedicatory prayer. The day’s programme also featured the federal assembly and panel discussion.
Brief speeches were delivered by the host of the event, MLA and chairman DPDB Tseminyu, Ar. Jwenga Seb; chairman of North East Students’ Organization (NESO) Samuel B. Jyrwa; and president of All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU), Dozi Tana Tara.
The programme began with a welcome address by convenor COC, K. Elu Ndang followed by an invocation from Rev. Haiwalo Apon, executive secretary of CRBC.
The introductory session on August 27, was attended by Lok Sabha MP, S Supongmeren Jamir as introductory guest.