Wokha, January 13 (DIPR): Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Neiphiu Rio has maintained that education, as the most powerful weapon, can make a person an asset of the society and a positive agent of change but taking it for granted and misusing of knowledge can make one a liability for the society. Speaking at the 50th general conference of Lotha Ekhae Ekhung (Lotha Students’ Union) in Chukitong on January 12, he added that educating a child through synchronized participation of child, parent and teacher is important as the child learns to prepare to face the challenges of life ahead. Reflecting on the theme ‘Be an agent of change’, Rio said that positive change will not come as miracle but every concerned individual needs to work towards it as stakeholders in the society. He observed that the modern Naga society is an educated society, but in regards to the process of civilisation and evolution although we have achieved many goals within a short period of time, “we are still a young society to call ourselves civilised.” He also observed that among the Nagas, the Lotha community has exceedingly achieved on many competitive platforms and have done well on social, education and economy ratings as well. Making a narrative of Naga history, he said that the Government of India and the world is now recognising the Nagas as a people. “Our political issue is no more known as law and order issue, but a political issue, and we are now recognised as a people with a unique history. Therefore, the present ceasefire and the dialogue is going on,” he stated. “It now depends on the Nagas whether we want to come together and unite and accept what is available or to reject and continue to fight.” President of Lotha Students’ Union (LSU), Amos Odyuo in his presidential address stated that he and his team had put in a great amount of time for the union's welfare during which they faced countless hardship and constraining pressures but saw God's divine intervention and courage to lead on the student community thus far. He appealed to the Lotha intellectuals and leaders to learn to appreciate, encourage, and support the selfless social leaders who work relentlessly for the uplift and progress of the people. “Many things need to change to keep up with the changing times, but there are things which need our careful preservation, and those are our vibrant tradition, culture, costumes and the bravery and honesty of our forefathers,” said Dr. Abemo Odyuo, Controller of Examination, NU, who spoke on the theme, “Be an agent of change.” Subenthung Kithan, President NSF, in his greetings advised the student community to use social media carefully and wisely as irrational and destructive means of its usage will in the long run destroy the peaceful fabric of the society and even between people.
