University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) in collaboration with Nagaland University (NU) and North East Christian University (NECU), organised a workshop on the theme “Career Opportunities in the Context of NEP-2020” at Livingstone Foundation International (LFI) on Friday. The event also included a felicitation programme honouring the Top 10 NBSE HSSLC toppers and LFI school toppers.
Delivering the keynote address as chief guest, former Nagaland chief secretary Alemtemshi Jamir lauded USTM for recognizing student achievement. Congratulating the toppers, he emphasized the relevance of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, describing it as a departure from colonial education models towards a self-reliant, skills-based system.
Jamir asserted that NEP 2020 is India’s strategic response to global economic trends, aimed at equipping youth with necessary tools for employment and self-sustenance. He urged students to embrace the policy not merely as a reform but as an opportunity to grow in “goodness and greatness”.
Touching upon Nagaland’s own challenges, Jamir highlighted the state’s misplaced focus on corporate and industrial jobs while overlooking its own strengths.
He said Nagas were chasing others’ visions instead of harnessing their own. “We are not looking at our strengths. We are looking at the strengths which other people showed us,” he observed.
Reflecting on past efforts to revive the Tuli Paper Mill, Jamir noted that despite generous funding from the Centre, the state’s readiness for industrialisation remains weak. He cited Article 371(A), banking limitations tied to land ownership, and the shortage of skilled labour as primary obstacles to investment in Nagaland.
Pointing to the state’s agricultural base, with nearly 68% of its population engaged in the sector, Jamir said agriculture held promise as an alternative economy for the youth. He called on students and educators to reinterpret NEP 2020 to suit Nagaland’s unique realities—focusing on rural innovation, sustainability, and translating technology into practical solutions for rural livelihoods.
Also speaking on the theme, Prof. Pauline Alila, HoD of Horticulture and Pro Vice-Chancellor in-charge, Nagaland University, underlined that NEP 2020 represents a transformative shift aimed at producing a 21st-century-ready workforce.
Prof. Alila explained that NEP 2020 emphasises holistic, multidisciplinary learning, integration of technology, vocational training, and collaboration with industry, thereby aligning education with evolving market demands. She noted that the policy promotes flexibility in subject choices, skill-based education, critical thinking, creativity, and multilingualism.
She added that the NEP aims to create a learner-centric system with broader career avenues across academic, vocational, and creative domains, encouraging entrepreneurship and global competitiveness.
Concluding her remarks, Prof. Alila said NEP 2020 empowers students to make informed decisions, explore diverse disciplines, and thrive in an evolving world. “It’s about empowering and mentoring students by teachers and parents—granting the freedom to choose, the ability to explore, and the skills to thrive,” she stated.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Dr. Mehjabeen Rahman and Dr. Kughatoli Aye. Director of Operations and Director of IQAC, USTM, Er. Debasish Saha, gave a PowerPoint presentation on “Career Opportunities – What’s Next?” USTM Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque delivered the welcome address, followed by greetings from NECU Vice Chancellor Dr. Darlando T. Khathing and a short address by USTM Vice Chancellor Prof. G.D. Sharma.