TR Zeliang addresses the inaugural session of the ANCSU’s 22nd Biennial General Conference at St Xavier College, Jalukie on October 28. (Morung Photo)
Tells ANCSU’s Biennial that ‘leadership without social responsibility is incomplete’
Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 28
Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang today faulted tribalism as the single greatest hindrance to the growth and prosperity of the State.
“So the onus is on the youth of today to be the antidote to this vice,” he said, addressing the inaugural session of the 22nd Biennial General Conference of the All Nagaland College Students Union (ANCSU) under the theme “Leadership and Social Responsibility” at St Xavier College, Jalukie in Peren district.
To emphasise his point, he highlighted that Nagaland’s entire local population is estimated at around 16–17 lakh, a figure that is strikingly small when compared with other large states in India, and does not even match that of a single district in more populous regions.
For instance, he cited Thane district in Maharashtra, the largest district by population in India, which houses 1.10 crore people or roughly six to seven times the population of the entire state of Nagaland.
“Our state with such small numbers, we further divide ourselves by being tribalistic in our thoughts and approach,” the Deputy CM said.
Once outside Nagaland, we do not introduce ourselves as an Ao, Angami, or Zeliang, but rather as a Naga, and we proudly own it, he added, further posing: “Why cannot we do the same when we are in Nagaland and stop tribalism altogether to ensure that all Nagas progress and live together as one united family?”
Meanwhile, Zeliang contended that it is social responsibility that provides leadership with its moral compass.
“Leadership without social responsibility is incomplete, and it becomes meaningful only when it is used to uplift others and build stronger communities,” he exhorted the gathering of college students from Nagaland.
To this end, he stressed that the present generation must consciously choose to transcend the limitations that held back previous generations.
Harnessing youthful population
Dwelling on the demographic status, Zeliang highlighted that Nagaland is blessed with a youthful population filled with energy, creativity, and a desire for progress.
However, potential alone is not enough; it must be guided by discipline, dedication, and direction, he underscored.
The Deputy CM also noted that the current generation enjoys opportunities that earlier generations could only dream of, such as access to the Internet, technology, global communication, and innovative education. Accordingly, he urged the youth to use these privileges wisely, saying, “Use your knowledge not merely to seek personal success, but to serve society.”
He further urged the students to become a generation that turns challenges into opportunities, builds instead of blames, and unites rather than divides.
Zeliang also urged the ANCSU to continue upholding its mission as the collective voice of thousands of students, a voice that carries weight, responsibility, and hope.
He expressed hope that the 22nd Biennial Conference would become a turning point that inspires a new generation of Naga youth to lead with wisdom, act with compassion, and dream with courage.
“Let this Conference be a moment of transformation that strengthens Nagaland,” he added.
The Deputy CM also called upon the students to work together to build a Nagaland “where every young person has the opportunity to learn, to lead, and to live with dignity.”
