Angami Youth Organisation discourse on Education in Nagaland
Our Correspondent
Meriema | September 10
The Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) held its third seminar on the topic ‘Education’ at Meriema, on September 10. The seminar was hosted by the Northern Angami Youth Organisation (NAYO) and the resource persons for the seminar were Dr. Visakhonu Hibo, Principal Japfü Christian College (JCC), Thejavizo Nakhro, NCS, EAC Sadar Kohima, Daniel Angami, NCS EAC Mokokchung.
“Where do we stand now? We are standing at the door of complacency, the Shizo (Leave it) syndrome, with our ‘knows it all’ attitude without actually knowing anything. A day is soon coming when we will wake up in despair because the road to travel has come to a dead end,” viewed Dr. Visakhonu Hibo on the state of education and the complacent attitude of Nagas.
With the changes in the governance, economy and progress in India, Dr. Hibo warned the dangers of opening Nagaland’s corridors to ASEAN countries and the world, which can usher in catastrophic changes such as flesh trades, extortions, cheaters and fraudsters if Nagas are not prepared. One solution to prepare for these changes, according to Dr. Hibo, is quality education that serves the definition of true education, ie, all round development of the individual. “Our education is imbalanced. It tilts heavily towards literacy growth sans values, efficiency, and responsibility.
Literacy wise we are above the country under every category but quality is way below others,” Dr. Hibo pointed out. In order to change the current system, Dr. Hibo suggested the need to start from foundation again by making the syllabi relevant to the Naga students, indigenizing the education system so that the learner does not have to struggle with alien lessons, activities and ways of life. The education system must respect the culture of the Nagas so that they can identify common meeting grounds.
While providing tips to the youth and students present at the seminar on preparing for Civil Services, EAC Mokokchung, Daniel Angami stressed on the importance of career guidance among young students so that they are prepared to follow the career of their talents and skills from a young age.
One major reason for failure to crack exams is because of the mystification of exams, which often leads to half hearted attempts among students, pointed out Thejavizo Nakhro, EAC Sadar, Kohima. The solution to de-mystifying exams is through career guidance and study groups which needs to begin from the rural setting, added Nakhro who also impressed on the importance of role models in building up a responsible and progressive citizen. Balancing one’s interests with academic pursuits was also highlighted.
“To re-define knowledge or education, it should not just be book knowledge, but must include culture, ethos of the community and building the character of the individual to live in integrity and morality,” stated Nakhro. Panelists for the seminar include Dr. Hovithal Sothu, Deputy Director ATI, L Kenneth Punyü, Assistant Professor Kohima Science College, Jotsoma and Dr. Ketshukietuo Dzüvichü, Principal, Oriental College Kohima.
Under the theme “Kelhou Kevi Ra” (loosely translated as the good and blessed Land), the 25 years celebration of AYO will focus on four Es namely Education, Economy, Environment and Ethos. As a prelude to the celebration, seminars on the four Es were conducted in the four Angami regions i.e., Northern Angami, Southern Angami, Western Angami and Chakhro region in August and September.
The last seminar focusing on Environment will be held in the Southern Angami region in the coming week.
