DIMAPUR: Zeliang Students’ Union Nagaland (ZLSU) conducted District Level Literary Day cum Competition at Town Hall, Peren, on August 21.
Delivering his address as special guest, Deputy Commissioner Peren, Hiazu Meru, observed that the younger generation, particularly Gen Z and Gen Alpha, are intelligent, talented and capable of making positive contributions to society. He emphasised the importance of keeping students informed and aware of issues and developments, while encouraging them to think critically, responsibly and independently.
Speaking on broader challenges facing the district, Meru questioned whether the traditional description of Peren as the “Rice Bowl of Nagaland” adequately reflects the present situation. He also expressed concern over the continued use of the description “Green District,” noting that extensive logging and environmental degradation have significantly affected the forests. Referring to the Nagaland Tree Felling Regulation Rules, 2002, he stressed the need for strict enforcement and public awareness on forest conservation.
The DC further observed that indiscriminate logging impacts roads, rivers, water sources and groundwater, while also contributing to the disappearance of birds and wildlife. He highlighted rampant extraction of materials from riverbeds, pointing out that such activity is regulated under the Nagaland Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2004, but alleged that permissions are sometimes issued without following proper channels. He cautioned that Article 371A should not be misused to bypass laws and called for greater awareness among village authorities, students and the public regarding environmental laws and responsible resource management.
Raising concern over substance abuse in Peren, Meru stated that the problem has increasingly affected young people, even penetrating educational institutions. Citing departmental data, he said around 744 persons have been recorded in connection with substance abuse, though the actual figure could be higher.
On employment and representation, he noted that Nagaland has a largely salaried economy where government jobs play a major role. Referring to the 2011 Census and Personnel Information Management System (PIMS), he cited Nagaland’s population at 19,78,502 with approximately 1,23,392 government employees, of which only 3,223 were from the Zeliang tribe, reflecting low representation. He encouraged students to aspire not only for government jobs but also for policy making and decision making positions to make meaningful contributions to their community and the state.
He reminded students that while the world continues to change, values such as hard work, honesty, discipline, commitment and integrity remain timeless.
Delivering the welcome address, Roland Zeliang, president ZLSU, said the competition aimed to strengthen students’ writing, communication and public speaking skills while fostering unity among the student community. District Education Officer, Limadangit Jamir, in his words of encouragement, said such platforms provide opportunities to express ideas, build confidence and shape future careers. He emphasised that education is not merely about certificates and degrees but about becoming responsible human beings, urging students to cultivate reading habits beyond textbooks and broaden their knowledge while remaining rooted in culture and identity.
The release stated that 21 educational institutions participated, with 100 students competing in three categories-Essay Writing, Prepared Speech and Extempore Speech. The institutions included 12 private schools, 6 government schools, 2 government colleges and 1 private college.
