It is indeed a great honour to be part of this special occasion, the opening of ARMS Incorporation office here in Mokokchung. On behalf of the people of Mokokchung, I extend a warm welcome to the representatives of ARMS Incorporation, INRIS India Foundation, IDAN, and all our distinguished guests.
Mokokchung may seem like a remote corner of the world, but today we are reminded that we live in a global village where distance no longer limits opportunity. The establishment of ARMS Incorporation (Mokokchung Chapter) marks an important milestone, connecting our youth directly to global avenues for learning, skill development, and employment.
ARMS Incorporation, through its branch in Chumoukedima, has already made a remarkable contribution to the youth of Nagaland. It has opened a new gateway for our young people to experience life and work beyond borders. I am glad to learn that over 200 Naga youth have already travelled to Japan through this initiative.
With the opening of this new chapter in Mokokchung, we hope to extend those same opportunities to even more young people. Let this chapter not only serve the youth of Mokokchung but also cater to those from the neighbouring districts. Let it become a hub of opportunity that empowers our young men and women to dream bigger, work harder, and explore the wider world with confidence.
Mokokchung has always been a place of talent, vision, and resilience. We have produced many individuals who have gone on to contribute to humanity in various fields. We remember with pride Dr. Senkalong, the “American man of science,” who made immense contributions to the world of science. Likewise, there are many sons and daughters of Mokokchung today spread across the world, excelling in their professions and upholding the name of our land with dignity.
However, as much as we celebrate those who go out and make their mark globally, we must also remember that Mokokchung needs individuals who can contribute to our own growth and progress at home. While many go out to explore the world, we also need contributors here — those who can bring back their knowledge, ideas, and experiences to strengthen our own systems and communities.
If all the best among us leave, who will take our land forward? It is indeed a tight situation. We understand that opportunities are limited at home, which is why many of our brightest minds look beyond Nagaland for prospects. Yet, it is equally true that we need these very minds to drive our progress here. The challenge before us is to find a balance between global exposure and local contribution.
It is my hope that ARMS Incorporation will help us find that balance. By creating opportunities for skill development and international engagement, it will nurture a generation of young people who can think globally while acting locally; individuals who can bring innovation, professionalism, and discipline back to their homeland.
At the same time, we must begin to change the way we think about success. For too long, government service has been seen as the ultimate goal. It is time to move past this limiting mindset and embrace new possibilities. The world is changing rapidly, and opportunities are limitless.With courage, exposure, and discipline, our youth can excel anywhere across the global stage.
We must encourage our young people to take risks, to think independently, and to believe that they can be creators of opportunity, not just seekers of it. Entrepreneurship, innovation, and lifelong learning should become the new aspirations of our society.
Our people must understand that success is not defined by where you work, but by what you contribute. The aim should not be just personal advancement, but collective progress; to lift our families, our communities, and our land together.
To our youth, I say this: grab every opportunity that comes your way. Go out, learn, and explore the world. But always remember to come back and contribute to your land. Japan, the country you will engage with through ARMS Incorporation, is a nation that has inspired the world through its resilience, discipline, and values. We know how Japan rebuilt itself after World War II – not through wealth or power, but through character, hard work, politeness, and an unyielding sense of purpose.
Learn from them. Embrace their work ethics, their humility, and their respect for time and excellence. Become ambassadors of that spirit. Connect Mokokchung and Nagaland to the wider world, but never forget your roots. Always remember where you come from and give back to your land, in whatever way you can.
As we open this new office today, let it be a reminder that Mokokchung, though small and remote, is part of the global story of progress and human connection. Let this collaboration be the beginning of many more such partnerships that empower our youth, enrich our society, and link our community with the rest of the world.
Once again, I thank ARMS Incorporation for choosing Mokokchung as a centre of growth and opportunity.