Governor of Nagaland Dr. Ashwani, his wife, Minister CM Chang, Parliamentary Secretary and officials are seen here with some of the Meritorious Awardees at Raj Bhavan, Kohima on June 1. (DIPR Photo)
Nagaland honors meritorious students
Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 1
The Governor of Nagaland, Dr Ashwini Kumar today asserted that there is “an urgent need” to re-establish strong links between studies, syllabus, students and society. The Governor made this observation while addressing a meritorious ceremony for toppers of the class 12 and degree examinations conducted by the Nagaland Board of School Education and Nagaland University respectively. The ceremony was held at the Durbar hall, Raj Bhavan in Kohima.
Congratulating the winners, Dr. Kumar said “All of you deserve praise and appreciation for the success that you have achieved. Your success has made all of us happy and we are proud of each one of you.”
He urged the toppers to recognize the contributions and the role played by their parents, teachers and others who helped them attain the top positions. “I take this opportunity to place on record the appreciation of the Government of Nagaland and my own appreciation for the devotion and dedication of all the teachers, professors and principals who have worked hard to spread education in Nagaland,” he said.
Touching on some aspects of the education system in India, he said “We all agree that the future of our next generation lies in our ability to align our education system today in such a manner that we are on the top of the development ladder in the next ten to fifteen years.”
The Governor expressed his dismay over the unemployment statistic in Nagaland which shows that graduates and undergraduates form the majority of the unemployed (30,000 as per the latest information). “If with the help of these degrees and diplomas, the students are not able to earn a reasonable livelihood and find good jobs, and if society does not benefit from their knowledge and learning, these certificates will become meaningless pieces of paper,” he said. He observed that it was high time for the student, parents, teachers and educationist to get together and decide on establishing placement cells in each institution.
Stating that Naga youth excel in performing arts, languages and soft skills; the Governor emphasized on the need to base Nagaland’s education strategy on these talents and strong skills. “If Nagaland wants to compare itself and compete with the best Educational Institutions, emphasis has to be given to creativity, innovation and skill development,” he added.
He called for a syllabus which is directly relevant to the requirement of students and society, adding that it must be recognized that students need to find gainful employment immediately after passing out from schools or colleges. He added that society needs fresh and young minds for sustainable development and growth.
Dr. Kumar said that degrees, diplomas and certificates must help students in finding the right kind of jobs or self employment. “The question is, have our schools and colleges established this link strongly enough or we need to do something to correct the present direction of our education system so as to focus more clearly on our goals and destination,” he said.
Parliamentary Secretary for Higher Education & SCERT, Deo Nukhu delivered a short speech while the Commissioner and Secretary for Higher & Technical Education, FP Solo delivered the welcome address. Special numbers were presented by Ameü Üsou & the Choir and Neibano Swuro. The function was chaired by Dr. Toshiba Echa, Director for Higher Education. Dr. Kevileno Sakhrie, Associate Professor compered the function while a vote of thanks was proposed by C Khalong, Additional Director for Higher Education.
Nagaland toppers receive Laptops and cash award
The Nagaland government today gave away laptops and a cash award of Rs. 10, 000 each to the toppers of the class 12 and degree examinations conducted by the Nagaland Board of School Education and Nagaland University. Altogether, 52 toppers figured in this meritorious awards instituted by the department of higher education to promote excellence and quality education in the state. Nagaland governor Dr. Ashwani Kumar handed over the award to the toppers at a function held here this morning at Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan. The Governor also asked the students to follow five important factors for a successful and happy life. He stated that the five factors include a healthy body, sharp mind, good behavior, good character and high moral values. He urged the students to have faith in God and in themselves.
