T R Zeliang urges students to pursue excellence in education

‘NSF committed to unite Naga people’

Our Correspondent
Kohima | February 4

Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister T R Zeliang on February 4 commended the Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) for consistently playing a constructive role in shaping students, addressing social concerns, and contributing meaningfully to development of the Chakhesang community.

“Student organisations like CSU are not only platforms for representation but also institutions that mould leadership and values,” Zelaing said while addressing the inaugural function of the 79th General Conference of the CSU held at Zuketsa in Phek district.

Saluting CSU for its commendable role, he thanked the CSU for providing a platform for dialogue, reflection, and vision-building.

At the same time, the deputy CM hoped that this conference will further strengthen the role of students in the holistic development of Phek District and Nagaland as a whole.

Describing the conference theme “Nurturing Identity through Knowledge and Culture,” as timely and relevant, Zelaing asserted that knowledge equips us to compete and progress, while culture anchors us to our roots in today’s fast-changing world. “When knowledge is guided by cultural values, it strengthens identity, builds confidence, and ensures that development does not come at the cost of who we are,” Zeliang remarked.

Likewise, the Deputy Chief Minister encouraged the students to pursue excellence in education while proudly preserving their language, traditions and customary practices.

He said that Phek District has immense development potential, whether in agriculture, infrastructure, education, tourism, or human resources.

“Over the years, the District has made steady progress in connectivity and basic infrastructure,” he said and assured assure that improving road connectivity, market access, and integration of Phek District into the broader development framework of the State remain key priorities.

Earlier, T R Zeliang unveiled the 79th CSU conference monolith with a dedicatory prayer by Rev Dr Chekroveyi Cho-o, Executive Secretary, Chakhesang Baptist Church Council.

The Deputy Chief Minister was accompanied by Kudecho Khamo, advisor CAWD & Taxes; Z Nyusietho Nyuthe, advisor NRE  & NSDMA; S Keoshu Yimkhiung, advisor, Youth Resources & Sports and MLAs  Ar Jwenga Seb and Dr Neisatuo Mero.

Uphold honesty, hardwork and resilience

Also gracing the conference as the guest of honour, Kudecho Khamo, advisor CAWD & Taxes,  maintained that the world have become so competitive with rapid progress of science and technology wherein identity, culture and tradition have potential to be lost.

Highlight this rapid progress, Khamo called the students to uphold honesty, hardwork and resilience, while also calling for peace and unity for all round development of the state.

Exhorting the students, Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) president  Vezühü Keyho stated that quality education is widely regarded as the cornerstone for building a bright future.

“Your priority is to study and learn,” he exhorted, while challenging the students to equipped with proper knowledge for a prosperous future.

Underscoring that peace is a fundamental weapon for ensuring social well-being, he urged the students to love one another and maintain a peaceful environment.

‘NSF committed to unite Naga people’

Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) president Mteisuiding Heraang, in his greetings message said that the NSF, formed in 1947, is one of the third oldest organisations in the Naga history.

Heraang assured that the NSF was formed to protect and preserve the rights and stand for the rights of the Naga people.

He reminded the students' community that NSF was not formed just to address the issue of students and the youth community alone “but it was formed to stand for the rights of Naga people,” adding that the Federation will never shy away addressing the genuine issues of the students and the youth community. 

Touching on 1873 Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, Heraang said that the nomenclature of Inner Line Permit (ILP) should be Inner Line Pass and urged the government to change the nomenclature.
Underlining the love of government job among the Naga people, he questioned how far the government can provide service to every youth.

Emphasising that it is a time to retrospect and introspect the situation,  he maintained that the Naga people must come together under one umbrella to fight for the various issues that is ahead of us, adding that the Nagas are going to lose its future if we are not able to come under one people and one voice. 

Earlier, CSU president Pfhülo Sara delivered presidential address while the welcome address was delivered by Kuzhovesa Soho, Convenor, Central Organising Committee (COC).

The programme was led by Mutsivoyi Kotso, Tribunal General, CSU. The conference, hosted by Zuketsa Students' Union, will culminate on February 5.