Dr Asangba Tzudir
Conferences are an opportune time to pause and sincerely reflect on the aspects that would help strengthen its effectiveness while taking the union forward. Another focus which is given importance is the selection of a new team which is very important, though the whole focus of the Conferences should not be about 'who is going to be the next NSF president' rather the question of relevance and how to stay relevant in tune with the evolution of challenging times. As such, the NSF can strengthen its effectiveness by addressing certain key areas and which are also critical to the sustenance and relevance of NSF.
To begin with, there is need to have clarity, consistency and sustenance in policies. This calls for a clear roadmap along with public engagement. In tune with its principles and values for which it exists, a structured policy and action plans are needed so that NSF can evolve primarily as a student’s body. Also, without having to elaborate, NSF needs to adapt and evolve beyond the 'ritualistic concerns' which does not in any way defines its relevance.
There is need for broader inclusivity in representation. This raises a very pertinent question - Whose interests it is that NSF stands for? NSF represents a diverse body of students from various tribes and areas, and so the voices, concerns, struggles and challenges need to be well represented. As such, beyond the capital, NSF also need to strengthen grassroots engagement by creating networks thereby enabling representation starting from the decision-making process.
A common thread in Naga Society is intolerance and reactivity which is also attested by Apology letters in newspapers and in social media platforms. This is where NSF need proactive engagement rather than being reactive. Beyond NSF’s reactive activism in generally responding mostly to crises or government decisions, it has put a limit on educational and social change. Beyond visits and tours and general conferences, there is need for initiating proactive research on educational gaps, unemployment, and skill development. Based on research hard data’s NSF can come up with evidence-based way forward measures. It is time for NSF to take interest in the NEP-2020 (New Education Policy). In context, this will really give form and direction to student’s welfare.
Being a student’s body, there is need for balancing activism with collaborations in a constructive manner. While public demonstrations are important, excessive confrontational methods only strain relations with stakeholders like government agencies and educational institutions. There is need for dialogue so that it helps understand each other and through which collaborative projects will emerge.
Further, broadening the education landscape in the 21st century calls for capacity building of the students. Beyond the Federation's presence in the 'political' arena, NSF can really come up with long term policies related to mentorship programs, career paths, career counseling and guidance workshops, and skill development initiatives to empower the student community.
Above all, any organizations’ survival also depends on how issues of trust are addressed. This requires a conscious process of trust building. This is where NSF needs to strengthen transparency and accountability on all matters including finances. This will augment public confidence.
Through such activism and trust building, NSF will reclaim its voice and also stay relevant within the welfare tune.
(Dr Asangba Tzudir writes a weekly guest editorial for The Morung Express. Comments can be emailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
