Nagaland ‘The confluence 2.0’ education fair and career seminar begins at chss

The second edition of the two-day “The Confluence 2.0” Education Fair cum Career Seminar” began on Friday at Covenant Hall, Christian Hr. Sec. School, under the theme“A pathway where dreams meet career realities.” A total of 11 schools and colleges, comprising 701 students, along with 17 participating universities, took part on the first day. The event is designed for students of classes 10, 11, and 12.
CHSS, VP and convenor of the Confluence 2.0, Patricia Zhimomi who introduced the confluence 2.0, highlighted that it was combined with an education fair and career seminar, giving students the opportunity to interact with industry experts and institution representatives. The seminar aimed to enhances skills and provides insights into industry trends, job market requirements, and career paths.
Speaking at the Confluence 2.0, special guest and seminar speaker, addl.secy. and ex-officio director, higher education, govt. of Nagaland, V. Lovitoly Sema highlighted that the Confluence, which started in 2019, has now grown into a much-awaited educational event in the district, merging academic learning with real-world opportunities.
She noted that Confluence 2.0 continues its vision with greater relevance, combining an education fair and career seminar. She said that this dual platform allows institutions and students to exchange ideas, explore programs, and build networks. She emphasized that with education and employment rapidly evolving due to technology, students must stay informed and adaptable, adding that educators, policymakers, and institutions share the responsibility to ensure students are equipped to meet these challenges. She further highlighted the role of platforms like Confluence in bridging classroom learning with corporate realities.
She spoke about the changing educational landscape, noting that rapid technological and digital transformations have outpaced traditional curricula. While this presents challenges, it also opens opportunities to rethink education and prepare students for the future of work. She highlighted that career seminars and workshops play a crucial role in connecting what is taught in classrooms with industry needs, helping students visualize career pathways, gain first-hand insights, and make informed academic and professional choices.
Speaking on the theme, “A pathway where dreams meet realities,” she highlighted the seven topics which included changing educational landscape, the role of seminars and workshops, employability skills: the core of career readiness, trending career opportunities, job-ready courses and skill-based education, the way forward and dreams to reality
She noted that rapid technological advancement, automation, and digital transformation has outpaced traditional curricula, presenting both challenges and opportunities to prepare students for the future of work. She highlighted that career seminars and workshops help connect classroom learning with industry needs, enabling them to explore career pathways and make informed academic and professional choices.
She emphasized that the key employability skills included communication, collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, digital literacy, adaptability, work ethics, professionalism, leadership, and emotional intelligence and noted that integrating these skills through project-based learning, internships, and community engagement was crucial for preparing students to meet employer expectations.
She highlighted that trending careers were increasingly tied to technology, creativity, and sustainability, including artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, cloud computing, digital marketing, green energy, healthcare, biotechnology, creative industries, and education technology. She encouraged students to align their passions with these opportunities.
She emphasized that degrees alone no longer guaranteed employment and that job-ready courses combining theory and practical experience, such as vocational training, internships, integrated programs, and entrepreneurship support were vital. She noted that this aligned with NEP 2020 and the Skill India Vision, which emphasized flexibility and a training-based system designed to make higher education more relevant.
She highlighted that creating employable graduates requires strong collaboration between institutions and industry, including internships, apprenticeships, curriculum updates, mentorship, and career support, ensuring education stays relevant, dynamic, and transformative.
She highlighted that every student carries a dream, but dreams alone are not enough as they require direction, determination, and discipline. Platforms like Confluence create a pathway where these dreams can turn into reality, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, values, and vision needed to thrive in a constantly changing world. She urged everyone to work together to ensure the younger generation are equipped not only with knowledge but also with skills, values and vision.
Chief Manager SBI (evening Branch), Dimapur, Md. Atao Rahaman spoke about financial counselling and education loans. He highlighted the importance of financial literacy.
Education loans are available after 10+2 for higher studies. Loan amounts and requirements up to ₹4 lakh requires no collateral, ₹4–7.5 lakh needs a co-applicant (usually parents), and above ₹7.5 lakh requires collateral. Certain professional courses (Engineering, MBA) can get higher loans with special conditions. Interest rates generally range from 10.15%, with a 0.5% concession for girl students. Maximum loan tenure is 15 years, including course period, moratorium, and repayment. Repayment starts after the course and moratorium.
He also gave details on the documents required including KYC documents, institution letter, and total fee structure of the course. Banks also support saving schemes like the Sukanya Samriddhi Account for girls, offering 8.5% interest.
He emphasized that students should study hard and responsibly use loans to achieve academic and professional goals, as banks are there to support deserving students.
Other highlights of the program included the cultural Zeliangrong Butterfly Dance by students of CHSS students and launching of the confluence 2.0 by the special guest.
Earlier the program was chaired by Atou Veronica and Hukito yepthomi, invocation was pronounced by CHSS Chaplin, Nolly N Jami, and the welcome note was delivered by CHSS, Principal, S. Moatemsu walling,
After the formal program, the education fair continued, during which representatives from the participating universities interacted with the students.
The program will conclude on November 1, featuring seminar addresses by NBSE joint secretary Ekyimo Shitirie, on the topic “From rote to real world: Aligning to the changing education landscape,” and SBI (Evening Branch), Dimapur, Chief Manager, Md. Atao Rahaman, will speak on financial counselling and education loans.