Kohima, February 25 (MExN): Governor of Nagaland, PB Acharya today reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement that unless North-East states develop India will not develop. He was speaking at the inaugural function of a two-day national seminar titled “Going beyond the ‘Monolith North East’: Understanding the Varying Dimensions” at St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama auditorium. The seminar is being organized by Manipal University, Karnataka in collaboration with Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies (MAKAIAS), Kolkata along with St. Joseph’s College.
The Governor, who was among the first batch students (1949-51) of Manipal University, Udupi, expressed happiness over the two universities coming to Nagaland to learn and understand the State. Maintaining that it is the duty of the empowered people to share with the less empowered people, he stated every part of India should be strong in order to progress.
Acharya further remarked that North-East States cannot be clubbed into one group since every State has its own identity, while commenting on the topic of the seminar.
The Governor also touched on the problems in the State. “Out of 20 lakh population in Nagaland, there are more than three lakh graduates but why do we have so many problems and remain aloof from the mainland,” he wondered. He expressed hope that the seminar will bring out some actions and not merely analyze the problems.
Acharya also noted that India has a sound economy; almost 10 percent of the 100 wealthiest people of the world are from India. Taking the example of Bill Gates who has given back almost everything to the society, Acharya urged the students to get empowered and help others as well. “If you do not share, grab public funds as an educated person there is no pride to have a university degree.” He also pointed out that Nagaland has a huge potential to be developed into a rich state.
Meanwhile, the Governor encouraged the students to get out of “colonial mindset”. “We are free and equal now and we should think and act freely,” he stated.
Emphasizing on quality education, Acharya said most of the foreign universities are run by corporate sectors “where supply satisfies demand and such graduates are employed.” He lamented that although India produces lots of graduates with excellent grades every year, their knowledge are often not applicable for jobs. “Skill has to be there in education and ‘work is worship’ should be our mantra,” he stressed.
In conclusion, Acharya advised the students to be human first and citizen of the country and last but not the least their profession. He further asked them to make Nagaland and other North-East states march ahead shoulder to shoulder as developed and peaceful states along with the other states of India and make it a strong, prosperous, peaceful country in the world.
Earlier, the students presented a cultural program, where nearly 200 students participated.
The programme was chaired by Registrar, Manipal University, Dr. Narayana Sabhajit. Head, Department of Geopolitics and IR, Manipal University, Prof. Arvind Kumar gave the welcome remarks and an overview of the seminar. Col. CM Kalakoti, Group Captain Dr. R.K. Singh, Treasurer of Kolkata Society of Asian Studies, Dr. Arpita Basu, freelance journalist Rajeev Bhattacharya were among the delegates who participated in the seminar. Public Reception Committee headed by Principal of Tetso College, Dr. P.S. Lorin was also present.
