Nagaland: Patton urges students to pursue more avenues

The Nyiro Range Students’ Union (NRSU) celebrated its Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years of its formation, under the theme “Honouring the Past, Ignite the Future” at Yanthamo Local Ground, on December 30, 2025 with deputy chief minister, home and border affairs, Yanthungo Patton gracing the occasion as the special guest.
Earlier in the day, a Jubilee Monolith erected to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of NRSU (1975–2025) was unveiled by the deputy chief minister Y Patton and dedicated by Rev. Sulumo Ezung.
Addressing the gathering, deputy chief minister Y. Patton spoke on the lifestyle and challenges faced by present-day Naga youth. He urged those involved in intoxication and unhealthy practices to bring about positive change in the spirit of the jubilee year, emphasising that one’s future lies in one’s own hands through hard work and personal responsibility.
Citing Mizoram as an example, Patton noted that most labour, trade and business activities there are undertaken by local people, unlike in Nagaland. He also appealed to parents not to impose their own career choices on their children, but to allow them to pursue their interests and passions.
Highlighting environmental concerns, the deputy chief minister called for the conservation of birds and wildlife, urged a ban on hunting, and advocated the promotion of tourism, pointing out the vast tourism potential of the region. He further encouraged students not to remain overly focused on government employment, stating that those talented in sports, business or other fields should actively pursue those avenues. He also expressed optimism about future expansion and development opportunities in the area.
Theme speaker project lead, Nagaland Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Mission (NSEDM), IDAN, Meribeni Zares Ezung, elaborated on the jubilee theme by paying tribute to the torchbearers who had worked tirelessly in the past and highlighting the struggles faced by elders in their pursuit of education. She noted that unemployment has steadily increased over the years and pointed out that nearly 92 per cent of Nagaa currently lack adequate skills.
Emphasising the importance of skill-based livelihoods, she stated that sustainable income can be generated through skills and entrepreneurship. Describing unemployment as a growing social crisis, she observed that society often places value only on success in competitive examinations. Urging the youth to broaden their outlook, she advised them not to remain fixated on government jobs but to explore wider opportunities. She added that current policies are increasingly focused on skill development and entrepreneurship, and called upon the youth to be resilient and hardworking to ignite the future while honouring the past.
Earlier, convenor of the Jubilee Organising Committee, N. Motsuthung Yanthan, in his welcome address, expressed gratitude to all participants and guests for being part of the Golden Jubilee celebration, describing the occasion as a testament to shared values and the collective journey of the Union.
The programme was chaired by Phyobeni Ngullie and Dr. Nsungbemo Ezung. The invocation was offered by Pastor, Longsachung Baptist Church Rev. C. Ramongo Ezung. Special musical presentations were rendered by the Longsachung Baptist Church and Niyoro Baptist Church in-charge youth directors. Greetings on behalf of the Lotha Students’ Union were delivered by its president, Lirhonthung Kithan, while a short speech was delivered by, former MLA and former President of NRSU (1976–1978) Yankithung Yanthan.