Dimapur, Nov 10 (MExN): Youths in the north east have a passionate concern for human freedom, dignity and justice and are constantly searching for meaning and values, which gives a sense of direction and solidarity to their lives in a world of uncertainty and seeming meaninglessness, said Most Rev.Joseph Mittathany, Archbishop of Imphal. He was gracing the St. Joseph College graduation and valedictory day as the chief guest at the college campus.
The youths also lack leadership, are restless and easily exploited by vested interests said Rev.Mittathany and further added that the rejection and the tough realities of life drive them to a state of insecurity, helplessness, anguish and despair making them crave for a better world with which they can identify. “A dark cloud of gloom and uncertainty threatens to engulf the youths and the region seems to be besets with an environment of violence and poverty lamented,” he observed.
While pointing out that youths, the most powerful and talented segment of the society, have set out on a ‘radar-less voyage,’ he rued that many of them have lost hope for a bright and prosperous future. North-east, which is fast becoming a part of the global village with a fast change in the lifestyle of the people, Most Rev.Mittathany said, “it is nice to be part of the global village, to share the culture of each other but when it begins to erode the cultural values, people begin to assert and stress their differences.”
Also stressing on the unemployment situation in the region, he said youths are educated but do not posses the skills that are needed in the job market and he attributed the educational system for failing to give the requisite vocational training and professional orientation. With unemployment, young people lose the enthusiasm to achieve something in life which leads them to live under stress, anxiety, despair and further leading them to drugs and alcohol, Most Rev.Joseph Mittathany observed.
Also, Prof. K Kannan, speaking on the occasion said that every development requires the support and cooperation of the public, and assured to give the best avenues to graduate students from Nagaland for higher studies to study within Nagaland University. Addressing the students, Prof. K Kannan said that their primary duty is to study and not to do other things. He stressed on the need to excel at one’s own job and profession first, reminding the students that they can enjoy life after the successful completion of their studies. Prof. Kannan also said that the President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam is very much concerned about Nagaland, and challenged the young people to make the best use of their talents to do good to others. He said that it is mandatory for every research scholar to publish their works in two journals/magazines before submission of the thesis for a Doctorate of Philosophy degree.
Thsingvi T Sangtam (Sociology Honors) was awarded the Governor’s Gold Medal as Best Graduate; Avika Memorial Award was awarded to Tokelisie, while Tsisabeno Juliana (Sociology Honors) and I Josephine (English Honors) were awarded the Chikrophüyo Memorial Award and Alumni Association Award respectively. Altogether 74 students graduated from the college this year.
