‘Nagas must lay foundation on meritocracy’

Cultural Day-cum-Sühkrühnyie of Phüsachodümu Youth Society

Morung Express News
Phüsachodü | January 25

“If Nagas are to rise as a nation and emerge as recognised people, we must lay the foundation on meritocracy, and condemn corruption and manipulation.” Addressing the 20th Cultural Day-cum-Sühkrühnyie of Phüsachodümu Youth Society at Phüsachodü village today, Abu Metha, Advisor to Chief Minister of Nagaland emphasized that without meritocracy, young people lose hope. 

Impressing upon that the only way to strengthen transparency is through the use of technology and strengthen the foundation of education, he told young people and students that they have a powerful tool in their hands. “You must use the tools of social media in a responsible manner to empower yourself,” he said.

Metha further urged young people to have courage to be able to be the best in the world. Reiterating on meritocracy, he urged the leaders of today to give hope to young people, which, he added, can be given by ensuring meritocracy. 

“If we give meritocracy to the youth, students in classrooms, college students in campuses will work harder,” he said.

Despite lack of proper infrastructure, he said that our youth are still doing so well while citing Olympian Chekrovelü Swüro as a shining example in this regard. 

He maintained that if meritocracy is given to our young people, they can become champions across all sections of activities. 

On the other hand, he remarked that tourism is one of the biggest industries while emphasizing on “Experiential Tourism” to further build on the Naga economy. With the launch of 'Phüsachodü Village Walk' apart from several other tourism activities, he exuded hope that it will bring the village not only in the Nagaland tourism map but beyond.

‘Dream big and work hard’
Speaking as one of the Honour Guests, Theja Meru, Advisor to Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA) called upon young people to dream big and work hard. He also asked them to always have a sense of competition, to connect, and to be organised in everything that they do. 

Citing small nations like Korea, Singapore and Japan, he said although small, these countries have huge impact in the world for their attitude of being very organised and pursuing quality. 

He encouraged young people to always emphasize on great networking. “Continue to network well. If we network well, we will bring the world to our doorsteps”, he said.

Meru also commended the Chakhesang community for making the state proud by taking Nagaland to the world through their music. “Thank you for producing such stars,” he expressed and added, “compete and connect with the changing trends of the world, of what's happening beyond our borders.” 

“As young people we cannot be left behind. We must emerge as winners,” he said.

Village Walk launched 
Stating that Nagas are proud of our unique identity and rich inheritance, Honour Guest, Ajanuo Belho, Director of Tourism encouraged the gathering “to keep alive and preserve our rich heritage.” 

She also expressed hope that the launch of the Village Walk will surely enhance the beauty of Phek as well as rural tourism. 

MLA, Dr Chotisüh Sazo spoke on the significance of Sühkrünyie and concept of village walk. With the rise in unemployment and migration of many youths to towns and cities in search of jobs, he said with tourists coming into the village, the youth can be employed by engaging themselves as tourist guides, drivers, artists, potters, opening of restaurants & lodging, souvenir shops etc. 

However, with the lack of infrastructure, monuments etc., he said, they decided to showcase the traditional village life in its simple and unpolluted form to attract tourists besides trekking, and other rural eco-tourism activities.  

He also exuded hope that with the launch of the Village Walk, employment opportunities will be generated and rural economy will also be improved.  

The event was marked by various competitions including traditional folk songs and dances.