Imbibing values is what moulds a person: Jacob

Morung Express News
Dimapur | December 13

The Western Chakhesang Students’ Union (WCSU) observed the 50th founding anniversary on December 13. The golden jubilee, which was held under the theme: ‘Pressing towards a vibrant Sustainable future’ at 7th Mile village, had PHED Minister, Jacob Zhimomi as the special guest. Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) President, K Therie, was the guest of honour. 

Zhimomi, in his address, underscored the significance of the early formative years in an individual’s life. “You are in the midst of preparation to lead the state tomorrow. You are what how you are prepared,” he said, while adding that the youth, as students and as children, must imbibe the values imparted by the teachers and parents. 

He said that not everyone can become a doctor or an IAS officer or a pastor, but acquiring a good education is what moulds a person. 

For a state that is surviving solely on monetary grants-in-aid from the Centre, he said that the major chunk of the monetary dole-out from the centre is expended on paying salaries leaving only 30 percent for development. The Nagaland government has around 1.4 lakh employees under its payroll, “Whereas we need only around 50,000... How did this happen? Because of political appointments. Who is to be blamed?” 

In such a context, he said that the youth should comprehend the economic condition of the state, at the same time, realise the importance of savings and investments. 

According to him, there is a “social disease” in the Naga society today where self gratifying pursuits are given precedence over imbibing a culture of earning, saving and investing. He added, “It is not wrong to aspire to live a good life but you have to work for it.” 

While economic hardship has been one, he said that “grouping within the Naga family” is another big challenge confronting the Naga society today. He added that it is destroying the Naga social fabric and curbing the division requires social as well as political resolve to change.

Meanwhile, K Therie called on the youth to shape the Naga future. Terming the present as the “weakest moment” for Nagaland, he said that the fate of Nagaland lies in the hands of the leaders of the future. In the endeavour to shape a better Naga future, he said that the youth must draw strength from God and from the insight of the ancestors. 

As far as the political negotiations are concerned, he held that there is uncertainty in the state. But if the negotiations do not conclude, elections will take place. If the elections go ahead as scheduled in February, “Then you have to make the right decision. If you don’t then you will ruin your community, your future”, he said, while posing, “Are you going to vote expecting some inducement for your vote?”