Mokokchung, November 18 (MTNews): Minister Temjen Imna Along, while speaking as the Special Guest at the annual conference of the Government College Principals at Conference Hall, Directorate of Higher Education, Kohima on Friday lamented how Nagaland, despite being a literate state has a very low Human Development Index (HDI) along with an unemployment problem among many other problems.
He then stressed on the need to turn the human capital resources into assets of the state. He stated that Nagas are going through a threshold- politically, traditionally, socially, and economically, and called on the need to build a new, strong, and vibrant Nagaland.
He also stated that the Higher Education Department has been working with moral responsibility in building the lives of students which according to him are the human capital resources of the state.
“Nagaland being one of the most literate states in the country is an achievement of educators,” he said.
The Minister further asked the gathering not to count only their weakness but to remind themselves of the commitment with which they are set to work and urged them to mold themselves with changing times.
Director of Higher Education, Dr. Katoni Jakhalu stated that the teaching profession is a privilege but it comes with great responsibility. She said that teachers are the molders and shapers of the younger generation, who have the potential to be the State’s assets or its biggest liability.
Dr. Jukhalu also highlighted various issues caused due to online classes and exams. She called upon the gathering to be hands-on educators, mentors, and guardians of the youth. She encouraged them to strive to emulate Bhutan in the happiness index on their respective campuses and create the right environment for the campuses or community to be rooted in social and moral responsibility.
During the program, Meritorious Service Award for both teaching faculty and ministerial staff was also given where Dr. Lanurenla, Assistant Professor, Fazl Ali College Mokokchung and Zuluwati, Attendant of Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung were awarded.
The other awardees included Dr. Evothung Ezung, Assistant Professor, Kohima College, Kohima; Dr. Mahabir Jha, Assistant Professor, Yingli College, Longleng; Teisovi Gerald Meyase, Assistant Professor, Kohima Science College (A) Jotsoma; Dr. Purna Chandra, Assistant Professor, Zisaji Presidency College, Kiphire; Sevelu, Mali, Kohima College; Besuta Venyo, LDA cum Computer Asst, Phek Govt. College, Phek; Hingtalak, Chowkidar, Peren Govt. College, Peren; Z. Bushem Phom, Sr. HA, Yingli Govt. College, Longleng; Benedict Ed. Shitio, UDA, Directorate of Higher Education, Nagaland.
The Meritorious Service Award is given out once every three years to the employees under the Department of Higher Education. It comes along with a certificate and cash of Rs. 30,000/- for teaching faculty awardees and Rs. 20,000/- for ministerial staff awardees.
The program was chaired by Additional Director, Higher Education, Dr. Lily Sema while Joint Director (P&B), Nokyanla proposed the vote of thanks. Sessions on orientation on API scores under CAS & APAR and the role and responsibilities of a HoD & DDO were taken up during the day.