MLA and Advisor, CAWD and Taxes, Kudecho Khamo, underscored the transformative power of knowledge and critical thinking, asserting that knowledge serves as a formidable asset, while the ability to think and analyze represents one’s capital, and urged scholars and students to utilize their “thinking ability” for positive societal impact.
He stated this during his address at the inaugural program of the two-day International Conference on Rethinking Economic Development in India: Sustainability, Livelihood, and Efficiency held at Nagaland University headquarters Lumami, Zunheboto, Nagaland.
The conference was organized by the Department of Economics, Nagaland University, in collaboration with Nagaland Economic Association (NEA).
Khamo emphasized the power of knowledge and thinking as capital, stating that having knowledge is powerful, and the ability to think and analyze represents one’s capital. He then stressed the importance of academia, researchers, and think-tank leaders in assessing available resources to create a clear development roadmap for any economy.
The Advisor so maintained that without research, planning, and analysis, it’s challenging to lead or direct an economy, asserting that vision, detailed facts, and figures are essential for progress.
He highlighted the economic and developmental gaps and unemployment issues in the state, emphasizing the need for rethinking and fostering entrepreneurship among the youth.
Khamo noted that Nagaland possesses human and natural resources but remains economically dependent on the central government, despite its potential.
He lamented that the prevailing educational system in the state produces job seekers, not job creators, and many including the elites still view government jobs as the sole path to livelihood and success.
He encouraged economics scholars and students to be open-minded, confident, and competent to face the world and contribute to the economy.
Khamo called upon the youth to be assets, contributors, and players in the state’s progress, suggesting that Nagaland can become a hub for organic agricultural products and tourism, emphasizing the potential for entrepreneurship.
He shared his entrepreneurial experiences and opined that entrepreneurship offers unlimited opportunities, requiring willpower.
Prof Saundarjya Borbora, Vice-chancellor of ICFAI University, who delivered the keynote address, pointed out the global urgency of creating sustainable and inclusive economies.
Prof MK Sinha, Vice-Chancellor in-charge and Dean of Social Sciences, Nagaland University, emphasized the need for sustainable economic development, maintaining a balance between the environment, economy, and equity.
Prof B Kilangla Jamir, HoD of the Department of Economics, Nagaland University, and president of NEA, highlighted the mission of NEA to provide a platform for economists, researchers, policy makers, academics, scholars, and students to exchange ideas.
She expressed hope that the conference’s outcome would positively impact the state and the country’s economy, with 90 abstracts received and 75 papers to be presented.
Advisor Kudecho Khamo, an alumnus of Nagaland University, was felicitated for his outstanding accomplishments in economics, and a conference souvenir was released.
The program was led by Dr Renbeni Kikon, Asst Professor, Department of Economics, Nagaland and Treasurer of NEA and vote of thanks was proposed by Prof Zarenthung Ezung, Professor, Department of Economics, NU and General Secretary of NEA.