Nagaland: Coco Area Students’ Union conference underway

Principal Secretary, Environment, Forest & Climate Change; Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, and Parliamentary Affairs, Y. Kikheto Sema, graced the 57th Coco Area Students’ Union conference programme at Akuhaito on January 6 as the special guest.
According to a DIPR report, Kikheto in his address said the inhabitants of the Coco area, comprising four villages, have remained closely connected through thick and thin over the years. Recalling the past, he noted that about 35 years ago the area was severely underdeveloped, with no road connectivity, and the people faced immense hardships in their daily lives.
Highlighting that despite fertile land and good agricultural yield, transportation remained a major challenge, he said farmers were forced to carry head-loads of produce and depend on barter trade with neighbouring villages and towns.
In spite of such adversities, students from the area pursued education with determination and brought honour to the region by rising to prominent positions. The Coco area, he pointed out, has produced three MLAs, one Judge, one IAS officer and several directors and secretaries.
Stressing the importance of education, Kikheto urged the present generation of students to study with dedication and excel not only in academics but also in other fields to earn fame and honour for the people of the area. He further emphasised the need to preserve cultural identity and traditions, calling upon the youth to inculcate the practice of learning and using their mother tongue.
While acknowledging that the area has witnessed some development over the years, he said much more remains to be done. For all-round progress, he stressed the need for unity, cooperation and avoidance of division within society. He appealed to the people to work collectively for shared prosperity, learning to forgive one another and live in love and harmony.
Encouraging the people to persevere through challenges, Kikheto said exemplary lives can spread harmony beyond the area and bridge social gaps. He also highlighted the Church’s equal responsibility in fostering peace and happiness, keeping the larger public interest in view. Reaffirming his commitment to development, transparency and public welfare, he assured continued cooperation with all stakeholders. He further noted that the conference motto, “Synergy in Action,” should guide collective efforts towards progress.
The 57th conference of Coco Area Students’ Union will culminate on January 8, 2026. Distinguished speakers at the programme included Kahuto Sema, GB, and Yevito Chisho, Retired Director, SCERT.