Participants at the International Youth Day programme at DBIDL on August 12. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | August 12
Youths from various parts of Dimapur converged at the DBIDL, Don Bosco Higher Secondary School on August 12 as part of a cultural exchange programme among communities. The exchange was organised by the National Foundation of India (NFI) commemorating International Youth Day with Can Youth, Dimapur as the local host. President, Naga Women Hoho, Dimapur (NWHD), Duoneinuo Kire attended as a special guest.
According to Can Youth, the NFI, in partnership with the European Union has tied up with ten youth groups in Assam, Nagaland and Manipur to enhance understanding of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, while capacitating them for aiding the integration of SDGs in their work.
Youth groups representing different Naga and non-Naga communities like the Dimasa and Bengali exchanged ideas and challenges confronting the youth within their communities based on the theme— Intergenerational solidarity: Creating a world for all ages.
Losing indigenous language as a result of unwillingness to learn and speak mother tongue by the youths today, alcohol abuse and traditions going overboard were some of the concerns posted by the participants.
The NWHD President, Kire said that the dilution of cultures among communities is endangering identity. As the main agents of change, much is expected from the present generation, she said. While stating that there is a need to move on without losing identity, she urged the youths not to call it quits.
In the keynote address, Can Youth founder and chief functionary, Jenpu Rongmei, highlighted the various kinds of stress that the youths of today are forced to undergo. According to him, it ranges from family and peer pressure to the demands of the socio-political system. While stating that there is a need for the ideas of the youth to coalesce for change, he maintained that the desired change however cannot happen overnight.
The youths, he said, have much to contribute towards achieving the SDGs 2030. On the same note, he added that even if the goals are not achieves, the youths can still make significant contribution nevertheless.
IYD in other districts
Meanwhile, the Nagaland State Aids Control Society (NSACS) and District AIDS Prevention and Control Units (DAPCU) commemorated the day with students and youth of various institutions in Jakhama, Peren, Kigwema and Kiphire.
According to press releases received here on Friday, activities including ‘spoken word competitions’ and awareness talks were conducted as part of the event.
The Kohima Law College also held a similar programme to recognise the value of young peoples’ involvement in political, economic, and social lives and processes.
