Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 15
A three day long youth triennial-cum-33rd session of the Youth Department of Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) concluded today at Tseminyu Town Baptist Church.
Held under the theme “Let your light shine” from October 13 to 15, it was hosted by Council of Rengma Baptist Churches (CRBC).
On Sunday morning worship service, NBCC general secretary Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho urged upon the youth to praise God at loud, by gathering the resources of unity to win the love of God. He also urged the youth leaders not to be stuck on the status of the leadership.
He said church need to change the strategies of worshipping. Many young people are leaving the church, therefore Church leaders should work out a mechanism to bring back the youth, he said.
He said the depressions of the youth are at its peak. Therefore, the search for the meaning of life is missing. As such Incarnation ministry needs to be initiated to take Jesus to the youth, and reach out to them. About 2500 congregation attended the worship service.
On Friday, the NBCC youth department in its board meeting on October 13, vowed to do its best in the clean election campaign with sincerity and commitment. Rev. Liangchhunga Khiangte, organizer Mizoram Thalai Kristian Pawl (MTKP), Baptist Church of Mizoram also spoke at the evening service.
The three day triennial conference was marked by worship service, special appearance by Rosy K. Remsangpuii from Mizoram, special presentation from various associations, reporting/business session, family group prayer, youth talent exhibition, “Colour Night” etc.
Meanwhile, the new official of NBCCYD for 2017-2020 have also been installed with president-Toshi Sanglir, vice president- Muluvoyi Nienu, recorder secretary- Mepingthii (AMEH) and Wicham Pau as assistant recorder.
Clean Election Campaign: Breaking entrenched cycle of dependency
In workshop on Clean Election, Dr. Aküm Longchari, editor The Morung Express was the resource person. Dr. Aküm said the politician needs the businessman to provide the funds to fuel elections. In turn, the businessman needs the politician to get contracts and other public resources at subsidized rates.
“And, once again, the politician needs the votes of people who depend on him for jobs and patronage. This cycle of dependency between the voter, politician and businessman and, the bureaucrats, is what sustains the status quo,” he said.
“Hence, the Clean Election campaign (CEC) means breaking the entrenched cycle of dependency. This is not about repairing the system. It is about transforming the system. Nagas need a system where the people do not have to depend on the politician to get what is rightfully entitled to us,” Dr. Aküm said.
Making suggestion for the role of youth, he stressed on the need to have drafting a common objectives of Clean Election Campaign phase-by-phase realistic goals.
Other suggestions includes; using social media to spread the message and mobilize public opinion, students unions and youth bodies educate each other, engage them for positive action on the ground like implementing clean elections, election observers at voting booths etc, mobilize independent teams to monitor electioneering process throughout the election process, volunteer in campaign activities by organizing people, coordinating events and bring physically present, lead from the front and show by example in word and action, to own the campaign and initiate rather than play the bystander role, be vigilant of CEC violations, expose them, be vocal and intercede in social media discussions supporting the CEC.
He said CEC can reach out to many youth who are tired of the current situation, unify them to actively support and participate in the CEC’s agenda.
Dr. Aküm also felt the need to be creative and make the CEC appealing to support. “Develop strategies with conscience, create awareness and train volunteers on CEC using inclusive approach reaching everyone,” he suggested. He also said that youth must be mindful of their future and not indulge with the prevailing corrupt election system.
“Conscientize people, among peer groups, and urge family members to abstain from indulging in corrupt practices of election,” he told the congregation.
Dr. Aküm said that nurturing and inculcating the spirit of cooperation is essential for strengthening the clean election campaign. “This should translate into creating a clear and simple message that speaks to people’s realities, presenting it in an achievable manner, harnessing unity in purpose and above all creating a climate of optimism where it is possible for the CEC to thrive,” he added.
