‘Book knowledge is not enough to progress’

Nagaland CM graces CSU platinum jubilee celebration

Our Correspondent
Kohima | February 15

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today said that the book knowledge is not enough. “The book teaches us the basics, but to progress, we need wisdom and the preservation of the culture and tradition,” Rio said while speaking at the platinum jubilee celebration of the Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) at Phek town under the theme, ‘towards a refined guild,’ Rio said. ‘When the student understands the moral values, honesty and hardship, only then the wellness comes to the society,” he said.

Rio informed that he branded Phek district as a “Land of tradition,” “because I see our Chakhesang brothers a very vibrant and among the Naga tribes many tribes, I see the honesty, hard work and the integrity that you have.”

He appreciated Chakhesang community for their commitment to uphold the Naga identity in promoting culture and tradition in the time of modern education and development. Talking about the determination and the commitment the Chakhesang community has, Rio hoped that they will lead the Nagas and show good example to the people.

“You’re doing very well in education and with the morals and values, the honesty and hard work, you can do much better,” he said.

Rio lauded the decision of Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) on its ban on import of livestock to its jurisdiction. Nagas talked only about politics and don’t discuss much about economy because till date it depends on the state government and still remain as consumer society; he said and challenged the people to discuss economy and to start doing economic activities. “Though many of us talk about the right thing we don’t do the right thing,” he said adding “Therefore we are lacking in practice.”

“I want Phek district to be one of the leading district, community to promote economy,” he said.

Touching on traditional practice of agricultural activities, he said, “Today, tradition is not enough and the people have to do modern farming and use the latest technologies and have to promote and do economic activities which are very profitable.”

From next April, the state government is trying to introduce Micro-financing to the farmers and to the micro-entrepreneurs, he said while stating that the Nagaland Legislative Assembly have amended the SARFAESI Act where the people can take loans from the banks.

Meanwhile he lamented that many people are looking for white collar job which is not available and reiterated that the people of the state have to see the potentials and explore.
 
Choose the right profession: Azo

Sharing greetings MLA Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu who was also hosted 75th Anniversary Feast said that on the road to success there is always as we and not me or I.

“There is always someone behind you even though they may not have come on the forefront, there is always someone who support you in the weakest hour,” Azo said.

He said one should believe in the words of reciprocation and at the same time one should believe in giving back to the society, adding that “one should believe in giving back to God for what he has done for us, one should believe in payback time and one should believe in Karma as well.”

In this, Azo called upon the students to be honest and continue to do good things and be asset to the society.

“We are truly living in a paradox of choices, think and choose the right profession to shine in life,” Azo added.
 
 Peace and stability are the only way: NSF

Complimenting CSU for attaining 75 years, Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) president Kegwayhun Tep said “History will tell us that our Chakhesang people have always remained at the vanguards in upholding the Naga identity- be it in the political, social and the cultural fabric of our people.”

He appreciated the Chakhesangs known for its bravery, honesty, loyalty, hardworking and peace-loving community.

“We are living through an era of social changes and technological advancement at an unprecedented pace. For us, the Naga people, who have barely emerged out of the whims and mercies of nature and global polity barely a century ago. Where do we stand today?,” he said.

He said that it is important that we realise the issues which we are facing today cannot be addressed in the manners and modes of yesterday.

“We as a people must break away from the conventional mindset of yesterday and other practices which have slowed us down from social and economic growth. We cannot afford to limit ourselves within the narrow confines of our boundaries and tribalistic mindset. We have to continuously adapt, evolve and keep on pushing ourselves beyond our limitations in order to attain what we truly desire to achieve as a community and as dignified people,” he said.

Tep continued that “Until and unless we are willing to act, and are able to apply our knowledge into practice, our vision of a better future will always remain a distant dream.”

He also challenged the students to come out from the comforts of their homes and social media-take active participation in the collective aspiration of a self reliant Naga society.

“Let us take advantage of the rich resources and land which has been endowed to us in abundance. Let us create marketing avenues and job opportunities for our youths and emerge as key players in our economy,” he said.

Tep said that in order to move forward, the only true essence to progress as a people is Peace and stability.

“Peace and stability is the only way to development and prosperity,” he said.

Let us work cohesively to facilitate unity amongst ourselves in order to bring about lasting peace and meaningful coexistence in our homeland and the entire region, he added.

Tep impressed upon the Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio who present at the function, “that we the youths have waited for a long time for the Nagaland Staff Selection Board to be implemented in the state of Nagaland.”

He said the immense hardships and mental trauma which the youths are experiencing because of the two years lapse in employment to Group-3 posts.

NSF president was optimistic that Rio will intervene and NSSB will be made fully functional within a month's time.
 
‘Backward tribe tag’ should not limit potential

Touching on “Backward Tribe” tag, CSU president Vetho Vadeo said “Though past circumstances may have required us to avail the benefits of positive discrimination, and maybe we still need it, but we should always keep in mind that the Backward tribe tag is not something that should limit our potential just as much as it was not something to be ashamed of, it should not become our source of employment nor should it be taken as an excuse to work any less hard.”

In this, he challenged the students to be a forward tribe in their attitude as well as its conduct irrespective of the statutory status.

“To boost our confidence in this regard, we can remind ourselves of how we were one of the most socially advanced Naga tribes before and during the British rule owing to our very advanced and productive traditional method of agricultural practice,” he said adding that agriculture being the primary source of livelihood made us an economically sound and a prosperous tribe.

Earlier, jubilee blessing was pronounced by CSU former president Deo Nukhu. Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO) president Vezuhu Keyho also exhorted the gathering. CSU former president Kekhwengulo Lea chaired the function while Central Organizing Committee (COC) convenor Miitsikhoyo Yhobu delivered welcome address. Later, Dr Zavise Rume from SCERT Nagaland acted as the speaker at the theme session. Heiko Kent, president Rengma Students Union shared greetings. Meanwhile, cultural session will take place on February 16 from 10:00 AM with Neiba Kronu, minister for planning & coordination, land revenue and parliamentary affairs as the cultural guest.