Mokokchung, August 12 (MTNews): For a society or culture to sustain continually for 25 years, it requires a 2.11 replacement fertility rate. However, the fertility rate of Mokokchung district is below that percentage. This was informed by Dr BM Sunep, Chief Veterinary Officer, Mokokchung while speaking at an International Youth Day event at Jubilee Memorial College, Mokokchung on Friday.
The event was held under the theme, “Inter-generational Solidarity; Creating a World for all age- HIV Free,” organized by District AIDS Prevention Control Unit Mokokchung in collaboration with Red Ribbon Club, JMC and sponsored by Nagaland State AIDS Control Society.
Expressing concern at the low fertility rate, he asserted that youth is the most important stage for humanity and that if they become diseased or infirm, then their generation will be lost and there will be none to replace them to carry forward the great aims and thoughts they have envisioned to be realized in the near future for a better society.
While dwelling on the theme, Dr Sunep asserted that we are living in a society where there is no relationship and solidarity amongst ourselves, parents, elders, seniors and juniors. In this regard he argued that for the future generation’s sustenance and survival, we must remember our elders, seek and gain knowledge from them and build the chain of solidarity for all ages.
He further said that we are living in a postmodern era where there is no truth as absolute, there is no meaning, no certainty and no morality; a world where we need to reinterpret reality according to our own will and wishes. This is what the world presents us to think, he added.
In this connection, he said we must first know and understand the definition- the right to be a human being before understanding rights provided by law.
“Unless we understand and realize we are created in His own image, the right to be a human being would be meaningless,” he asserted.
While dwelling on the topic of HIV, he said the best remedies to mitigate this virus are abstinence and using safety measures. He, however, said that there are no 100 percent guarantees in using safety measures.
He further added that if we want to progress for a better humanity then intergenerational solidarity would be an important factor by taking the first step to reach out to the seniors and elders by sharing the problems and gaining the knowledge amongst all generations and dispel the social menace.
Earlier, in the spoken words competition, 11 students participated where Manenbala Longchar was declared the winner and Nochetlong and Imlimenla B Longkumer were adjudged as first and second runner-ups respectively.