International Youth Day 2016 observed in Kohima
Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 12
The UN International Youth Day 2016 was commemorated at the Indira Gandhi Stadium here today.
The commemoration was organised by the Women Studies Centre Nagaland University and Department of English, NU in collaboration with the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute for Youth Development, Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs and Rotary Club Kohima.
Resource persons from different backgrounds spoke on relevant themes for the celebration under the United Nations theme of Eradicating Poverty and achieving sustainable production and consumption.
Former Chief Secretary Nagaland Alemtemshi Jamir spoke on Youth and Sustainable Development and encouraged the university students present to think of the larger picture.
He outlined the Sustainable Development Goals, agriculture, health, educational facilities, water, power, gender issues, climate change and good governance.
He highlighted international goals in the Naga context and encouraged them to think of reforming and restructuring.
Dr. A.J. Sebastian, Academic and noted youth animator, spoke on challenges for 2030 and dwelt on the vibrant energy of youth and outlined different strategies and experiences for success in life.
He said failure means success because it gives a second chance to a youth to try again. He shared various personal experiences of young people who have become success stories today in their lives.
There is a hero, heroine in each one of you; all of you are angels created and blessed by God, he said.
Dr. Rosemary Dzuvichu, Director, Women Studies Centre, and President Rotary Club Kohima, spoke on the importance of Youth as Peace builders in a society ravaged by all kinds of conflict for decades. Bringing examples of peace work by youth in Nepal, Lebanon, she called upon the youth to be the ambassadors of peace.
“You are the intellectuals of the Naga society, the future leaders, who must learn to go beyond the narrow boundaries of tribe, village and state and think globally,” she said.
She said culture is not static, so while preserving tenets of culture, university life must teach you to change with the changing times and be an important influence and guide for the community that you come from.
The role of youth in peace building is often ignored by the Naga society, but the reality of the decades of armed struggle has seen thousands of our youth join political groups and the best people to reach out for peace are the young people themselves, she said.
They must be included in policy making for the future because your voice matters.
She also said decision making must be inclusive of young voices. “We have seen that violent conflict arises from social exclusion, injustice, lack of development and violation of human rights and Naga youth have seen such situations.”
Do not be voices only in social media with complaints every day, but learn to speak out, write to policy makers, meet them and be the changemaker, she urged the youth.
Underlining the importance of a gender equitable society, she said the youth of today must be gender friendly, have respect for their female counterparts and walk together as partners.
She challenged the University students and other youth present to form a group of Peace volunteers that could help and build healthier relationships amongst Nagas and be voices for Peace.
Prof. Pardeshi Lal, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Nagaland University, Kohima Campus, Meriema said that youth means energy, adding that they have potential to make impossible possible.
