Morung Express News
Dimapur | December 14
During the morning session of 48th SKK General Conference at Zutovi village, a panel discussion on career guidance & livelihood was moderated by Dr. Khekugha Murru, Former Researcher Central de Sciences Humanies, Government of France.
Setting the tone for discussion, he pointed out that Naga people were talented but remains untapped and misusing it. He also said that the traditional way of education to pursue BA, B.Com, MA etc after passing higher secondary was making skill education sparse in the society. He said people were talking about dignity of labour but they do not give dignity to the job. He also emphasized on the need to change mindset about appearing only for NPSC and UPSC exams.
Joining the discussion, Panelist, Hekani Jakhalu, Executive Chairman, YouthNet said that persons aged between 15-35 comprised of 8 lakh population in the State. She reminded the students that they were facing tough competition within their age group adding, “There is no place for mediocre.”
Hekani said the youth were being forced to go for private sector but that huge private sectors were not coming to Nagaland owing to certain situations. However, she added that retail sectors were steadily streaming into the state and said only the fittest would find a place.
Chairman, Livingstone Foundation Higher Secondary School, Andrew Ahoto Sema, another panellist also underscored the need to skill oneself adding, “If a nation does not have skill, it will kill the nation.” For livelihood, he opined, that an entire village focusing on specializing on a single item of locally produced and manufactured items like smoked pork, ‘Axone’ etc which could attract wide attraction. He said Naga youth were trying on too many things without success and advised focusing on one thing at a time with sincerity and dedication.
Additional Superintendent of Police, Longleng touched on the topic of career guidance and said the students should change their mindset about focusing only at NPSC and UPSC exams. He said there were many other competitive exams including SSC, CPF, and Railways etc. He said that competitive exams for Grade III posts were being looked down as petty jobs but pointed out that a candidate entering into service through open competition at the rank of Sub Inspector could reach the level of Inspector General at retirement.
Pointing to the statistics of 70422 registered educated unemployed in the state, Atopu said that majority of them do not fall under the educated unemployed category adding, “I define educated unemployed as those willing to work but not finding a job but if you are educated and not willing to work below your prestige then you do not fall under this category.”
“Our youngsters think that a barber, painter, plumber, welder, etc were undignified jobs but forget that there is huge income in such works,” added Andrew.
Hekani said that the YouthNet in collaboration with the government and other NGOs was imparting skilled training in various field to the youngsters. He revealed that the YouthNet had provided local job placement to 300 youngsters last year.
Atopu said that the Nagas being placed with fertile land could opt for organic farming on business scale and not only for personal consumption.
Andrew indentified Tea plantation as an avenue in Niuland area stating that a company would soon be setting up tea factory in the State. Atopu encouraged students to not while away their time during holidays but enrol themselves in skill trainings. “Get out of your comfort zone and opt for any skill training. Even if you do not work in that particular field where you got trained, it is still not a loss for you,” Hekani told the youngsters.
In his closing remark, Dr. Khekugha said that the three panellists pointed out hospitality, tourism, construction, entrepreneurship, retail sector, community initiative focusing on manufacturing of certain products etc as some of the avenues available in the state but noted that laziness was rendering many youth unemployed.
During the same session, President, Ao Students’ Conference (AKM), Imkongwati delivered greetings. He stressed on the need for SKK and AKM to work hand in hand against corruption for a better and stronger society. He also advised youngsters to make positive use of social media and create advantages on the usage of it.
On December 13 evening session, Dr. Hotokhu Chishi, Joint Director, Health & Family Welfare spoke on the theme, ‘Defining Moment’ while President, Phom Students’ Conference, Hongkam D. Ngonyem delivered greetings.
President, Lotha Students’ Union, Lipemo M. Tsopoe delivered greetings at the valedictory session. Students from Withee Bible College formed the SKK conference choir.
On December 14, a new team of SKK office bearers were elected to be headed by Atokiho as the President for the tenure 2017-19.
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