The guest panelists at the 63rd Foundation Day-cum-Annual Lecture Series-II of Kohima Science College, Jotsoma, on September 14. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express news
Kohima | September 14
Coinciding with its 63rd foundation day, the Kohima Science College (KSC), Jotsoma, organized the annual Alumni Lecture Series-II on September 14.
Delivering the keynote address, Vice President of Alumni Association, KSC, Rhosietho Nguori, called towards fostering a legacy of excellence to remain engaged and proactive in order to mentor the next generation of students.
According to Nguori, the alumni association has been making significant contribution to the development and progress of the college, of which the annual Lecture Series has been one, besides other initiatives. He said that it aims to encourage and motivate the present students, who are in pursuit of achieving life goals.
The daylong programme saw two panel discussions on ‘Cracking Competitive Exams’ and ‘Entrepreneurship in the 21st century.
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The panel discussion on competitive exams, moderated by Abeinuo Jasmine Ashao, NCS, had Shanavas C, IAS; Cherakung Zeliang, IFS; and Sashiwapang Lanu, IRS ,in the panel.
Shanavas said that dismissing the civil services exams as fit only for people from elite background would be a wrong concept. As someone from a middle class background, he said that it was upto the individual’s determination and factors like time management. During preparations, he said that it was important to keep personal deadlines before one is ready to appear an examination, while keeping abreast with the social, and also, mental wellbeing. Another point he emphasised was honesty during the interview stage.
IFS officer Cherakung Zeliang, said the general assumption of the civil services,of late, has been one that of an "over-glorified" institution. However, he pointed that there are still very less Nagas in the central government services.
He maintained that there are ample opportunities to consider when one is an aspirant.
In the foreign services, he said the role in decision making; policy and building relationships can have wide ranging impact.
“One need to identify our strengths and weaknesses and not follow the crowd,” he said while preparing for examinations. According to him, he preferred studying alone and taking tests to ensure that he improved and balanced on different subjects.
IRS officer, Sashiwapang Lanu underscored the importance of keeping in touch or learning from senior civil servants or those who have been through the interviews. While stating that the central services come with its own advantages and disadvantages, for him, he said that the perks of working in the Revenue sector was getting posted in the urban locations and infrequent transfers, which has also provided him ample space to engage with family, community and to give back to the society.
Toinali Kinimi, business owner and founder of Beauty Barn; Richard Belho, architect and co-founder Zynorique Initiatives; and Watila Longkumer, founder of Naro Ki were in the panel for the discussion on Entrepreneurship in the 21st Century. Wenyitso Kapfo, HOD, Botany, moderated the session.
Taking ownership of one’s life and daring to put oneself in uncomfortable situations will help one to commit, said Kinimi. Watila Longkumer emphasised the importance of passion for serving the people to become not only successful, but also a valued and functional member of the society. “I started my business with my heart, not with my mind,” she said.
According to Belho, entrepreneurship is a risk-filled journey that requires facing and prevailing over stressful situations.
