DIMAPUR, AUGUST 14 (MExN): Nagaland State Governor, PB Acharya today stated that the first and foremost factor for development of society is education.
In his Independence Day message to the people of Nagaland State, the Governor said that 65 percent of the state’s population consists of the youth.
“If our universities and other educational institutions add skill in the academic contents, our youth will be employable and they will develop Human Resource for the world. Our youths coming out of Universities should be job givers and not job seekers,” he encouraged.
He further expressed pride that “a small state like Nagaland has four Universities - Nagaland University, ICFAI University, the Global Open University of Nagaland and St Joseph Catholic University of Nagaland.” “Empowerment of prospective young men and women by education is important,” he added.
The Governor stated that August 15 “is a day of dedication and hallowed remembrance for us. Our great leaders and many generations of our countrymen waged a powerful struggle for Independence.”
He affirmed that the present government in the centre has earmarked Rs. 5,000 Crore for improving roads and bridges for the North East. “For the first time in the history of our mountainous State of Nagaland, foundation stone was laid for a new broad gauge railway line between Dimapur – Kohima (Zubza) by Union Minister for Railways, Suresh Prabhu on 1st August 2016 and will be completed by 2019. This is a great and significant initiative under our Prime Minister,” he stated.
He informed that the Indian National Fellowship Centre (INFC), an NGO from Mumbai, the Department of School Education, Government of Nagaland, in collaboration with the Rotary Club Bombay (North) have worked out a project to start E-learning in 28 selected Government Higher Secondary Schools in Nagaland. This, the Governor said, will enhance the quality of learning in government schools in the state.
He added that many initiatives for strengthening “emotional integration have been worked out like medical camps, teachers exchange programme, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and give some service in the health sector in our border areas of Myanmar and Naga brothers and sisters.”
The Governor also stated that “ex-service men of Nagaland have also equally contributed to the freedom of India. We are proud of our Ex-servicemen. We should also respect and take care of the Veer Naris of the State.”
The Governor then lauded the State Government for announcing 33% reservation for women in tune with the constitutional mandate in the Urban Local Bodies of the State. Terming this as a welcome step, he hoped this would help towards more empowerment of women.
Meanwhile, the Governor noted that that the “peculiarity of India is Unity in Diversity.” Nagas, he stated, “have a well knit social organisation which is an excellent example of unity in diversity.” “Our state has its own unique culture society and traditions making it one of the most diverse regions in the north-east part of the country. It boasts of unparalleled cultural practices, respect for different faiths, tribal life, gender equality, art forms, family values and fierce independence,” he stated.
He further said that “minority indigenous religious people, ‘Ancestors Religion’, are also equal in a secular state and should also get all the benefits of Independent India.”
He added that it is time to “make the world know that Nagaland and the whole of North East have freedom fighters, scholars, well known doctors, literary people, social workers, etc. and we are all equal.”
Regarding the ongoing talks for settlement of the Naga issue, the Governor stated that the talks are “yielding positive results.” “The talks have become more purposeful, less ritualistic, more forthright and far more frequent. This will bring a new prospect and happy era for all the Nagas.”
