Toppers along with special guest and members of the Lotha Hoho and LSU at DBHSS Youth Centre, Wokha on May 23. (Morung Photo)
Call for skills beyond classroom success
Morung Express News
Wokha | May 23
Recognising academic excellence while emphasising the need for practical skills and self-reliance, the Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) in partnership with the Lotha Officers Association (LOA) felicitated meritorious HSLC and HSSLC students from the Lotha community at DBHSS Youth Centre, Wokha on May 23.
The event brought together students, parents, educators, community leaders and officials to celebrate outstanding performances in the recently declared board examinations, while also reflecting on the broader challenges confronting educated youth in Nagaland.
Addressing the gathering as special guest, Zubemo Lotha Tsanglao, additional director of the Department of Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of Nagaland, congratulated the achievers and acknowledged the role of teachers and parents in shaping the students’ success.
He remarked that academic accomplishment should be viewed as the starting point of a longer journey, urging students to focus equally on acquiring skills, building confidence and developing character.
Stressing the growing relevance of employability in a changing job market, Tsanglao encouraged students to strengthen their technical competence, communication abilities, personality development and information technology literacy.
“Degrees may open doors, but skills determine how far one can progress,” he stated, encouraging students to prepare themselves for future opportunities as leaders, professionals and innovators.
Drawing attention to unemployment in the state, he noted that over 70,000 educated youths in Nagaland are registered as unemployed, while many others remain outside official records. In this regard, he advocated for greater emphasis on skill development and self-employment, while encouraging parents to guide children towards opportunities beyond conventional government jobs.
He further informed the gathering that the department, in collaboration with the Sector Skill Council of India, is facilitating skill training in the construction sector, with a training facility being established in Dimapur.
Speaking on behalf of the LOA, its president, Orenthung Lotha, IAS, advised students to make informed academic and career choices following their Class X and XII milestones. Referring to the recent NBSE results, he observed a positive shift in educational outcomes, including improved performances by schools from rural areas.
He also urged students to make constructive use of technology and artificial intelligence, cautioning against excessive dependence on digital tools for learning.
Short greetings were delivered by Er Mhondamo Ovung, chairman of Lotha Hoho; Nzano P. Kikon, deputy chairperson of Wokha Town Council; and Mharomo V. Murry, president of Lotha Youth Hoho, all of whom congratulated the achievers and encouraged them to continue striving for excellence.
As part of the felicitation, ten HSLC toppers and five HSSLC toppers were honoured with citations and certificates. Recognition was also accorded to two Governor’s Award recipients in MIL subjects from the HSLC and HSSLC examinations, alongside a Governor’s Award recipient from Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Wokha.
In addition, the Lt. Thungjano Tsanglao Honorary Award for Lotha female achievers was conferred upon two HSLC rank holders (rank 6) by Lankonsen Tsanglao, ADC Tamlu, representing the family.
Schools across Wokha district that secured cent percent examination results were also presented certificates of appreciation during the programme.
Earlier, LSU president S. Zubenthung Ngullie delivered the welcome address, while Lechano Tsopoe presented a special number. The achievers were introduced by LSU general secretary Nyanthung M. Khuvung, and Rev. O Thungben Kikon, pastor of Wokha Village Baptist Church, offered a dedication prayer for the students.
