North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR), organized an inspirational talk on November 25, at NEISSR Cultural Hall Peace Centre, Chümoukedima, with former DC Kohima Mohammed Ali Shihab, as the resource person.
During his address to the students of Master of Social Work (MSW) and Vedhik IAS Academy, Shihab stated that motivation should be given when students are young to aspire for UPSC and NPSC and that every Naga tribe should inspire students to be civil servants.
He also shared insights from his life, recounting his initial posting in Dimapur as a young trainee and subsequent service in various districts of Nagaland for over a decade.
He emphasized Chümoukedima’s significance as a newly established district labelled by the government as the “Land of Opportunity,” foreseeing substantial growth and prospects for its residents.
Encouraging the students, he stressed on the importance of their current location and the significance of their educational choices. He conveyed that present actions shape future outcomes, cautioning against distractions and temptations that could derail focus in life’s journey. Citing statistics on attention spans and quoting Robert Frost’s iconic lines, he encouraged the students to embrace less trodden paths for meaningful differentiation in life.
He highlighted the plight of educated yet jobless individuals in Nagaland, attributing their predicament to attitude and decision-making. Shihab urged the students to remain optimistic and foster self-improvement, emphasizing the importance of knowledge enhancement across diverse fields. Stressing the value of imparting acquired knowledge, he also urged students to return to their villages during December holidays and educate younger members of their community. He further emphasized on the transformative power of small actions and beliefs.
While extending a warm welcome to Mohammed Ali Shihab, principal NEISSR, Dr. Fr. C.P Anto, highlighted his remarkable journey from an orphanage to Mussoorie.He also expressed optimism that Shihab’s experiences would reshape the students’ outlook, fostering their development as proficient social workers and responsible individuals for the future.
The programme was moderated by president of NEISSR Student’s Council for Social Change James Quinker, invocation by assistant professor NEISSR, Dr. Fr. Robin Thomas, while vote of thanks was proposed by assistant professor NEISSR, Dr. Toli Kiba.