Chizokho Vero
Kohima | May 31
The spirit of adventure tourism has registered a new height among the Naga youth as Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio flagged off an Inter-district youth trekking -cum- camping programme to Dzukou valley this morning.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister asserted that the Naga youth should not confine themselves to the state alone but go out and explore other places around the world.
Regretting the poor level of exposure to the outside world, Rio encouraged Naga youths to explore the outside world. “We have to venture out”, was his advice. A time has come to involve in adventurous activities and discover new places, he said. Referring to state sports policy and various programmes being designed for the development of the youth, the Chief Minister asked them to take full advantage of the same.
The government does not want to say “No” to lack of fund for development of the youth, he said adding the government wants to give opportunity and use the funds judiciously to build the character of the youth. We want to see a harmonious and prosperous future of the Naga youth, he said.
Maintaining that life was moving at a fast pace accompanied by competition, Rio urged upon the Naga youth to take life seriously. He said that a time has come for the Naga youth to wake up and to perform its duty efficiency, adding that the government is ready to provide and safeguard their rights.
Rio has a strong faith that the Naga youth are capable of doing anything provided they are given the opportunity. “We should prepare ourselves for the future.”
The reason behind the trekking, he said, is to create awareness on environment, preservation of forests. The government wants to make the state environment friendly and a build harmonious relationship with nature.
He said the trekking programme is not only to enable the youth to see the beauty of the mountains and valley but to help generate a lot of imagination and broaden the mind of the youth.
He hoped that the youth will become an ambassador of the environment and propagate the message to others to show love and concern for the preservation of nature’s gift.
Meanwhile, Rio assured to sponsor another trekking programme for the school children of Mezhur Higher Secondary School, Chandmari Higher Secondary School and AG school, Kohima by October.
35 trekkers from the different parts of state joined the programme. This programme is being organized by Youth Resource and Sports department in association with North Eastern Council.
Earlier, Bendang Longchari, Director Youth Resources and Sports chaired the flagging off service while KT. Sukhalu, Secretary Youth Resources and Sports gave introductory speech. Kohima Deputy Commissioner R. Ramakrishnan, SP Kohima Martin Pienyu and host of government officials were present on the occasion.
