Abu Metha and others during the launching of short film entitled "Kelhouzho Kesa" in Kohima on September 7. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | September 7
Advisor to Chief Minister Nagaland Abu Metha today termed the COVID-19 pandemic as ‘the great pause’ stating it is a time for the entire planet to introspect.
Addressing the launch of "Kelhouzho Kesa" (A sensitization film on COVID-19) under the aegis of Angami Youth Organization (AYO), Metha emphasized on the need to innovate and adapt to the ‘new normal.’
“People everywhere are reassessing their values. When the health crisis passes, what do we expect the new normal to look like?” he questioned.
For Nagaland, he said, “we must not return to the normal because the normal we had was precisely the problem.”
This is an uncomfortable statement for many but we have to accept this fact only then we can move forward, he maintained.
“If we are prepared, the times ahead are bright. It is going to be an incredible decade of innovation and business transformation,” he added.
Stating that the pandemic has altered lifestyles, Metha also pointed out that the entire planet has undergone a digital transformation. The dynamics of the global village have altered, he said, adding that work from home has already taken over, home schooling has become a worldwide phenomenon, and the dynamics of entertainment has changed.
As such, the Advisor maintained that despite the massive restrictions, Nagaland will have to do things differently in order to stay ahead of the curve.
He opined that Nagaland will have to change its tourism narrative by going virtual, designing customized holidays, focusing on experiential trips and creating safe bubbles.
“Likewise, we have huge opportunities in sports and the sports economy. This multibillion dollar industry is no longer looking at huge arenas but safe destinations as sports is being played without live audiences but still reaching millions of eyeballs. Our tourism, sports and entertainment industry must be synchronised to tap the new potentials,” he said.
Metha further stressed on the need to embrace technology and reflect the ambition of the youth to compete globally. He maintained, “Leaders across the board, policy makers and implementers need to upgrade their digital skills, if we as a people aspire to stay ahead of the curve.
