Nagaland is suffering because literate people are not willing to work, said Minister for Higher Education and Tourism, Temjen Imna Along. He made this statement while addressing the concluding session of the All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) Collegiate Meet on November 1, 2024. The event, which began on October 29, was held at Livingstone Foundation International College, Dimapur, where he attended as the Chief Host.
The minister noted that the state government has only 88 departments but “no less than 10-15 thousand unions,” and he discouraged students from forming additional unions and “syndicate systems.” He added that tribal student unions in colleges should be discontinued, emphasizing that one apex college students’ union would sufficiently serve the needs and purposes of all students in each college.
He further stated that digital platforms enable us to access global information, and encouraged students, as participants in the “University of Social Media” like WhatsApp and Instagram, to be well-informed and to focus on positive content. “Randomly posting without proper knowledge only brings chaos to our society,” he cautioned.
Regarding student scholarships, Imna Along advised students not to rush to internet cafés to fill out forms; instead, they should seek guidance from the respective teachers and professors in charge at their colleges.
The Minister also emphasized that students should learn from one another, and as representatives of their parents’ and communities’ dreams and aspirations, they should work inclusively for collective prosperity in the state.
Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) S Supongmeren Jamir, who attended as the Valedictory Guest, emphasized the importance of harnessing Nagaland’s youth potential for national growth. He highlighted education as a tool for unlocking opportunities and achieving aspirations, stressing the significance of unity, education, and active participation in shaping Nagaland’s future. “Education and self-discipline are your strongest tools to bring about positive change in our society,” he affirmed.
Supongmeren also underscored the importance of leadership, encouraging students to develop a sense of responsibility and pursue their passions while remaining mindful of their cultural roots. He advocated for constructive dialogue and collaborative efforts to address pressing social issues in the state.