Kahuto Chishi Sumi (right) gracing the first Pol-Fiesta held in St Joseph University (SJU), Chümoukedima on April 11 and 12.
Chümoukedima, April 13 (MExN): ‘The form of democracy existent in Nagaland was an authoritarian rule by the corrupt, mainly because the youth have not been able to break the shackles of society and its elders.’ This remark was made by Kahuto Chishi Sumi, Convenor, Concerned People of Nagaland and Gaonbura of Hevishe village during the first Pol-Fiesta held in St Joseph University (SJU), Chümoukedima on April 11 and 12, a press release from the PRO of SJU stated.
Speaking on the theme ‘Youth and Politics’ as the guest of honour, Kahuto observed that “Naga society was a stagnant one until the arrival of the British. It is only recently that we have come in contact with people from other villages and tribes.”
It is not the lack of knowledge but the lack of application of knowledge by the youth that poses the greatest hindrance in the development of the Naga society, he said. “Nagas,” he opined, “need to rationalise our fears so that the truth becomes pronounced.”
“Youth are educated for a purpose, to change lives and shape the future. However, in Nagaland the future of youth is sold, and their worldview largely narrowed. It is in the hands of the youth to change the political system of Nagaland, particularly through the opportunity given to them once every five years, and by calling out the system without any fear,” he stated.
He encouraged the gathering of almost 500 students from the department to join political parties with clear-cut policies and ideology, to know the value of one’s vote in the electoral process and the effects it has on governance.
He reiterated that it is the duty of educated youth to fight for the right candidates and at the same time sensitise uneducated ones on the same. In conclusion, he maintained that the cause of all problems in the Naga society stemmed from the lack of active youth participation in the overall political system, and that the youth needs to use tools, skills and knowledge already available to them for improving their quality of life.
The talk was followed by Q&A session with the students and faculty. Organised by Political Science Association of Department of Political Science, St Joseph University, Chümoukedima, the festival was marked by competitions in literary and non-literary activities in consonance with the theme.
