MLA Er. Levi Rengma, the Introductory Guest is seen addressing the Introductory Session of the 25th General Conference of the Naga Students’ Federation at the Agri Expo, Diphupar Village, Dimapur. (Caisii Mao)
NSF’s 25th General Conference begins
Dimapur, April 24 (MExN): Er. Levi Rengma was forthcoming when he called upon young people to embrace a common vision with an open mind, accommodative spirit and pragmatic approach. Rengma, MLA to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly from Tseminyu, was speaking at the Naga Students’ Federation’s (NSF) 25th General Conference that started today at the Agri Expo site in Diphupar Village here. It was kicked off this evening with the NSF flag hoisted by current President, Kelhouneizo Yhome.
Touching upon the suffering of the Naga people, Rengma, the introductory guest for the Conference, said that after almost 50 years of Nagaland statehood, “the life of the Naga community is crippled by chains of discrimination”. Despite the Indian Constitution’s promise of fundamental, cultural and educational rights, the Nagas are “languishing in a corner of the Indian society” that is a “lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity”.
Who is to blame? Partly, “we the Nagas ourselves,” said Rengma. He implied on the necessity of a common vision to underscore the aspiration of the Nagas to be politically united beyond artificial geographical boundaries. “But to achieve this goal, we should first do away with ism (individualism) in our society, cleanse corruption in the system, sacrifice personal interest for the greater common goal and move forward in unity,” he proclaimed.
The NSF General Conference is being hosted by the Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU), itself a conglomeration of 12 students’ unions. Welcoming the delegates were DNSU President K Mhachio Lotha and Diphupar Village Council (DVC) Chairman Vitoshe Kinimi. The NSF was established in 1947 and has a stated motto ‘For Unified Lim and Glory of the Nagas’. This year’s Conference focuses on ‘Embracing Common Vision’.
Addressing the delegates who were able to make it today for the 3-day event, Rengma conveyed that “the Naga society is suffering a setback due to degradation of moral values, decline in honesty and integrity and decline in work and culture; we are easily lured by money power, highly influenced by alien culture which is a direct threat to basic values of Naga culture.” He maintained that a stumbling block to the common cause is the sharp division of Nagas on tribal lines.
“Every Naga seems to know very well about his/her fundamental rights but we forget that the other person also has equal rights as provided in the constitution; unless we learn to respect each other, we cannot achieve our dream/goal,” said Rengma in his speech. He stressed on the imperative to remove “social evils” through common platform of civil societies, NGOs creating awareness in schools, colleges and local churches. A change in “primitive mindset” and upgradation of knowledge to suit changing times was also on his list.
“We should realize that Nagalim (Nagaland) is a land of opportunity, multi-talents, rich cultural heritage, untapped natural resources and bio-diversity,” held Rengma.
To “harness the fruits of available resources for inclusive growth,” Rengma insisted that peace is necessary. “Without peace, our dreams and Common Vision will be only a wishful vision.”
The introductory session of the general conference was chaired by Sinhilo Thong, with an invocation from Rev. Dr. Weyiete Lohe and introduction of delegates by NSF federal assembly speaker R.S. Jollyson. It was complimented with music by Achen Imchen with his group, and the Conference Band. The session ended with the NSF General Secretary, N Ejanthung Ngullie’s report of NSF activities for 2011-2013.
Note: For the information of participants and others, the DNSU and DVC have set up an Emergency Call Centre that can be reached at 9856235914 or 8575190672.
