By Dr Asangba Tzudir
The problems arising out of lack of proper infrastructure seems to be never ending in the state of Nagaland. Inadequacies besides the lack of sustained efforts have led to such a state of inadequacy. To cite an instance and which also made headlines is the sad story about the Zunheboto District Hospital that is grappling with manpower shortages and infrastructure gaps. It also serves as a reminder that the addition of new districts, will only add to the woes because in the delivery of quality life for the citizens, there is more to it than just putting in place governmental set up in a place.
Within this deficiency, comes the need for human resource development to augment economic growth, to bring efficiency, effectiveness, innovation and creativity, and thereby bring transformation in workplaces and thereby progress. To this end, so much of focus and attention is given to Education and skill development. However, lack of infrastructural facilities has really hampered human resources development. Human resources development is not just the coming of the raw talent but in nurturing talents that defines quality and for which adequate infrastructure is required.
Education and educational institutions play a critical role in Human resource development so as to equip students and learners in imbibing them with the right degree of knowledge, skills and human values. Looking at the Four Year Undergraduate Program, it offers a blend of core learning as well as a rich array of skill development and enhancement courses. However, the larger question is on the aspect of delivery and avenues. There seems to be enough of skilling but whether it is professionally adequate or simply for the sake of the course completion and grading is worth pondering. Then comes the issue of avenues to express their skills, and the lack of infrastructure has really hampered the choice of career paths in tune with their interests.
On the flip, in this age of technology and Artificial Intelligence while skilling is required more than ever, it also reminds us that we are humans and not machines. Technology and AI may not fully mechanize humans but it is rapidly transforming the way we think, work and also interact with technology. It has come to such an understanding that to be relevant as a human being is to be able to produce ideas or become slaves of tech directives and operate accordingly having turned into passive algorithm-driven beings. As such, this in itself offers opportunities for human enhancement and creativity. If not, without the engagement of the mind and criticality, it will only create the process of dehumanization.
It also raises a very pertinent question of what it means to be humans. It is not just about the need to produce ideas to stay relevant as a human being or be mechanized and dehumanized, but to create a meaningful existence by truly embracing the core human values towards building a shared-humanity. While infrastructure development is key to human resource development and progress, education is key to unlock the potentialities while also skilling them adequately. However, in the development of human resources, human values lie at the core of what it means to be a human, because skilling without injecting the human values is only going to dehumanize humans.
(Dr. Asangba Tzudir writes weekly guest editorials for the Morung Express. Comments can be emailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
