Morung Express News
Kohima | February 26
Celebrating young Nagas, the Nagaland Youth Summit began on February 26 at NBCC Convention Centre. The two day summit which is organised by YouthNet in collaboration with the Government of Nagaland to commemorate its ten year anniversary witnessed the participation of thousands of young Nagas on the first day.
Three plenary sessions were held on the first day focusing on role of entrepreneurs in building the economy of the state, role of young government officers in good governance and young Nagas in Entertainment, sports and music.
Chairing the session on the role of entrepreneurs in building the economy of the society, Abokali Jimomi (Organic Nagaland) opened the discussion stating that entrepreneurs create jobs, wealth, and prosperity in the country and often the wealth of the country is determined by the wealth of entrepreneurs.
The panelists Karen Yepthomi (Dzükou Tribal Kitchen), Zaren Odyuo (Tribal Group), Abenla Ozukum (ABEN), Filafi Fithu (Founder of Filafi Fithu shoes) and Theja Meru shared their personal experiences as entrepreneurs and the importance of entrepreneurship in a developing state like Nagaland.
Zaren Odyuo stressed on the need for political stability, infrastructure and banking and finance for entrepreneurship to thrive in Nagaland. Odyuo encouraged the young crowd to start small in business. The problems we face are not because of lack of skills and ability but the failure to realize alternative ways, viewed Fithu, who also asserted that for entrepreneurship to thrive in Naga society, it requires an environment of passion-driven, talent driven and concerted efforts of government and non-government bodies.
Stressing on the importance of seeking opportunities even in the circumstances of lack, Abenla Andrew opined that Nagas possess artisanal work of good quality, while also drawing attention to the social impact of entrepreneurship. Theja Meru asserted that people who succeed are the ones who are prepared to meet their dreams. Meru concluded with the question, “Are you prepared to meet your dreams?”
An essential pre-requisite for good governance is an enlightened public, affirmed Panelist Livitoli Sukhalu, NCS during the session on the Role of Young government officers in good governance, which was chaired by Yanpvuo Kikon (The Naga Blog). The panel included Sharon Longchari, NCS, Shouka Kakheti, NPS, Joel Kath (ACAUT), Livitoli Sukhalu, NCS and Er. Namang Sepong Chang, NCS.
Stressing on the strength of an enlightened public, Livitoli posited that society can only function as rules allow it to. However rules can only change if the public allows it to change. While the crowds present at the summit were from urban areas, Sukhalu reminded that majority of the Naga population are farmers and stressed on the need to focus on villages.
Sharon Longchari asserted that good governance involves civil society, government institutions, political society, economic society, judiciary and bureaucrats.
Joel Kath meanwhile blamed the bureaucracy for the lack of governance in Nagaland. He further called for structural changes in the state. Responding to this, Longchari stated that “there are some heroes who bring governance to the doorstep. They are going above and beyond the call of duty.”
During the Q&A session, a student from Kohima College asked, “Who is the culprit (in corruption)-the Bureaucrat or the Politician? Is there anything to pave way for a young student like me?” No answers were given, however the student urged the young officers to “Fight against corruption to let youngsters fight for a good governance.”
Another participant asked the panelists, “Why are our youth so indecisive in our career choices?” to which Sukhalu answered young Nagas are obsessed with government services. “We have to be stronger than our family, the social prejudices and the stereotypes. We have to be stronger than the people around us,” expressed Sukhalu. Er. Namang also viewed that education should be directed towards skill development and indentifying the skills of the young.
The session on young Nagas in Entertainment, Sports and Music was chaired by Abu Metha, Founding Editor, Eastern Mirror with panelists Nise Meruno (Musician), Opang Jamir (Mr. India International), Imlibenla Wati (Miss World Beauty India) and Atoto Kire (Nagaland Wrestling Champion 2014).
