Sano Meru
August 22
KOHIMA (MExN): Nagaland Governor Shyamal Datta and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio released the Report, Album and documentary film on the observance of Year of Scientific Awareness at the Durbar Hall of the Raj Bhavan, Kohima today.
The Governor of Nagaland, in his speech, voiced his concern by stating that while interacting with some of the students, he had learnt that Science was not a popular subject amongst the student in Nagaland as compared to the interest shown to the subject by students in other States. “We need to get over our fears and move head on in the field of science and technology,” Datta said. He further relayed his hope that the Raj Bhavan would don the mantle of being a place for ‘Scientific Temper’ now and in the years to come. He however reminded that one need not be a scientist to have a scientific temper. He asserted that Science, in order to flourish, needed three things, namely knowledge, innovation and imagination. Datta also stressed on the necessity of Science in everyday life by stating that Science facilitates and improves the lifestyle of the people.
Highlighting the need to provide high-end knowledge to inculcate creativity and expansion of intellect, Shyamal Datta called upon the government and the opposition to look across the political spectrum and evolve consensus to focus on quality education and emphasised on science and technology. He sought the participation and cooperation of the public as well as private organisations in ensuring skill and knowledge based education for the younger generations.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio stressed on the need and importance of Science and technology for the development of the State in his address. While releasing a 20 minute documentary film on development of Nagaland through science and technology, entitled “Opening Doors,” he said that Nagaland was making headway in scientific knowledge and education. He cited the examples of hydrogers, solar lightings, telemedicine, connectivity, and cane and bamboo technology in Nagaland which are fine examples of applied scientific knowledge. He thus challenged and called upon everyone to take interest in the application of science and not entrust it to the Government alone. He remarked that it was each person’s responsibility to strive for a better living in the State. The Chief Minister also paid tribute to the President of India Dr. A.P.J Kalam, who, as a scientist himself has a vision to make India a developed country through science and scientific knowledge. He lauded the awareness campaigns that were performed by the Governor’s and Chief Minister’s Jatha Teams to highlight how peoples’ lives are constantly affected by science.
Students of Livingstone Foundation School, Dimapur, Azalika Achumi and Tovikali Yepthomi, shared the experiences of the Governor’s and Chief Minister’s Jatha Teams that toured all the districts of Nagaland. Students of Phom Lempong School, Longleng, Govt. Middle School, Sangsangnyu, Tuensang and Govt. High School, Aboi, Mon, presented songs in ‘science lore’ at the function. It might be mentioned that they were the top three winners at the State Level competition in science lore as part of YSA observance.
Those present at the function included Minister for Rural Development, REPA, Irrigation and Flood Control, Soil & Water Conservation, Noke, Leader of Opposition I. Imkong, several senior officials and students from various schools.
