‘Transcend Beyond Borders’

53rd LSU General Conference Day 2 held at Old Changsu Village

Morung Express News
Wokha | January 22

The second day of the 53rd General Conference of the Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) was held on January 22 at Old Changsu Village, hosted by the Englan Range Students’ Union, under the theme ‘Transcend Beyond Borders.’

The programme was graced by Yanthungo Patton, Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland and Minister for Home & Border Affairs, as the Special Guest. He was accompanied by Renbomo Ezung, ADC Wokha; Biren Lotha, ASP Wokha; and Er Mhondamo Ovung, Chairman, Lotha Hoho, among other dignitaries.

Earlier, the LSU Monolith commemorating the 53rd General Conference was inaugurated by the Deputy Chief Minister and dedicated by Rev Fr Renthungo N. Odyuo, Principal, Holy Cross Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, at GHS Englan.

Addressing the gathering, Deputy CM, Yanthungo Patton emphasised the urgent need for cultural preservation, particularly among the youth. He urged students to give greater importance to the Lotha language, noting that many young people today wear traditional attire without knowing their names, meanings, or cultural significance. He encouraged every village to actively promote traditional culture by organising folk song competitions, traditional practices, and awareness programmes, stating that culture must be lived and practised, not merely showcased.

Highlighting the declining student enrolment in village schools, Patton expressed concern that several rural institutions are on the verge of closure. He stressed that village schools must be prioritised and called upon teachers posted in rural areas to discharge their duties with sincerity and dedication. He further cautioned that government employees across departments have become complacent, operating under the assumption that salaries would be paid regardless of attendance or performance. On this note, he warned that the government is now very serious in this matter.

Patton remarked that the Lotha community was once highly respected among the Nagas for its work ethic in government service, but observed that this reputation has declined over time. He urged collective introspection and corrective action to restore this legacy.

Speaking on employment, Patton said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio, the government has introduced various skill development programmes and encouraged youth to explore these opportunities rather than relying solely on government employment. He stated that Nagaland has a population of around 20 lakh, with approximately 1.31 lakh government employees, making it the state with the highest proportion of government employees in the country. With government jobs reaching saturation, he advised aspirants to work hard and compete seriously in examinations such as NPSC and UPSC, while also urging others to pursue alternative livelihood options.

Patton clarified that although he represents the 37th Assembly Constituency, he serves the people of the entire state. He described the LSU conference as a meaningful platform for dialogue, responsibility, and progress, and lauded the Union’s role in shaping leadership, nurturing cultural values, and strengthening unity with its 91 affiliated units.

Calling for unity, he urged the student community to move forward with one voice for collective prosperity, stressing that progress lies in respect for elders, cooperation, and shared effort. He affirmed that the future of the Lotha community rests with its students.

Delivering the theme address, Prof Athungo Ovung, Professor of Sociology, Nagaland University, presented a data-driven analysis of employment challenges in the state. Citing the 2025 registered employment and unemployment survey, he stated that around 75,000 individuals in Nagaland are currently seeking jobs, while approximately 35,000 students graduate every year. In contrast, only 600–700 government vacancies are generated annually.

He noted with concern that nearly 92% of graduates, and pointed out that only 3–5% may eventually secure government jobs. He questioned the future of the remaining talented and hardworking youth, emphasising the need for a fundamental shift in mindset.

Prof Ovung stressed that degrees and diplomas alone are no longer sufficient, urging students to focus on skill-oriented education, vocational training, and continuous skill upgradation to remain relevant in today’s economy.

Expanding on the conference theme, he encouraged youth to “transcend borders” by embracing creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, and adaptability. He highlighted the growing opportunities in digital platforms, social media, content creation, online businesses, and freelancing, stating that the internet has removed geographical barriers and opened global markets for skilled individuals.

He further observed that although the government has introduced various skill development schemes and training programmes, youth participation remains low due to the persistent overemphasis on government employment. He called upon students to explore emerging sectors, build multiple skills, and create livelihoods not only for themselves but also for others.

Prof Ovung urged the students to become job creators rather than job seekers, stating that the future belongs to those who are skilled, innovative, and willing to adapt to change.

The programme was chaired by Thungchibeni T Erui, with the welcome address delivered by Penthungo Y Yanthan, Convenor, COC. Greetings were extended by Er Mhondamo Ovung, Chairman, Lotha Hoho, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Nyanthung M Khuvung, Education and Statistical Secretary.

The literary session held in the evening was graced by Orenthung Lotha, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary, Cooperation and IPR, and President of the Lotha Officers’ Association (LOA), who attended the programme as the Special Guest.

A key highlight of the session was a debate competition on the topic, “Should Nagaland unlock its mineral wealth to drive development?” which saw active participation and critical engagement from the students.

Meanwhile, the first day 53rd General Conference of the Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) commenced on January 21, 2026, with Y Mhonbemo Humtsoe, MLA, gracing the inaugural programme as the Special Guest. The conference is scheduled to culminate on January 24.