Participants of the five-day Inter-State Youth Exchange in Kohima on January 14.
Morung Express News
Kohima | January 15
The inaugural programme of the five-day Inter-State Youth Exchange organised by Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat), Kohima, Nagaland, under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, began at Kipfuzha, Kigwema, Kohima on January 14.
Speaking at the inauguration, Vikhweno Chale, NCS, Additional Secretary, Department of Education, Government of Nagaland, said advancement in science and technology should not overtake human values. She noted that while technology has both pros and cons and has become an integral part of life, youths must remain rooted in human principles and avoid overdependence on technology.
Chale observed that young people are increasingly becoming lethargic and inclined towards mobile phones, and stressed the need to exercise the mind and use both hands and brain in doing things. She said constant interaction and communication are the need of the hour and encouraged youths to take charge of opportunities and make the best of the experience.
Highlighting the importance of leadership, she said leaders are not confined to NGOs alone but emerge from different communities and sections of society in various capacities. Urging participants to lead by example, she said leadership is not merely a designation and that one can inspire others only by performing one’s roles and responsibilities effectively.
Kishor Barman, District Youth Officer (DYO), MY Bharat Kohima, welcomed participants from various districts of Manipur and said the programme aims to build bridges of understanding, unity and mutual respect among youths from diverse cultures, traditions and backgrounds. He said India’s unity in diversity is strengthened through such programmes, which provide opportunities for interaction, cultural exchange, group activities and shared experiences.
Barman said the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports organises the Inter-State Youth Exchange Programme every year to celebrate national unity, and noted that Manipur is the partner state this year. He added that this is the first phase of the programme with Nagaland as the host state, while Manipur will host the second phase.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Kevisano Neihu, Administrative Assistant, MY Bharat Kohima, while the opening prayer was pronounced by Zhavi Kere, Pastor, Baptist Church, Kigwema.
A total of 37 participants from Manipur, representing the districts of Senapati, Imphal East, Imphal West, Ukhrul, Noney and Chandel, are taking part in the Inter-State Youth Exchange Programme.
