Metsubo highlights the important role of youth for progress
Minister of Rural Development, Metsubo Jamir on Friday envisioned a prosperous future for the tribal community, which can be attained through strong foundation of unity within a cohesive community. He was speaking as special guest at the 33rd General Conference of Zeliangrong Students Union Nagaland (ZSUN) held under the theme, ““Knitting a better future”, at Jalukie.
Metsubo emphasised the vital role of youth and students and said that were not just leaders of tomorrow but change-makers of today.
He expressed optimism about a future where energy, passion, and potential of youth and students would serve as driving force for advancement of tribal community.
Drawing the analogy, “Knitting a better future”, he emphasized the significance of each stitch contributing towards a greater whole.
“Our Naga community is a blend of intricate patterns and diverse threads”, he stated, referring to youth, students, elders, rich culture, tradition, and dreams that collectively form the fabric of the society.
He underscored the historical reliance on unity within the tribal community, but envisioned a new era where unity was not only about coming together, but also about moving forward collectively, with the youth and students taking the lead.
Metsubo proposed a strategy of empowering youth through education, skills, and freedom to express themselves.
The minister also underscored the student bodies taking up various initiative, and recollected the “We Care programme”, a concert organised by Ao Students Union in Mokokchung in aid for generating a corpus for providing coaching fees for the poor less privileged students.
He pointed out that such activities highlighted that the youths care for their future and have dreams to aspire for a future collectively. “Having such dreams and aspirations is a positive indicator, but we should also place more emphasis on how to achieve our goals. There should be a concrete plan, where there is a holistic involvement by all”, he said.
He further emphasized the importance of ensuring equality and respect for every member of the community and highlighted the need for social equality, where each individual, like a thread, play a unique and vital role in designing the community.
Expressing pride in Nagaland’s top literacy rate, Metsubo also voiced concern about the prevalent belief among qualified students that government jobs was only the sole pathway to employment.
He however suggested empowerment of youth through education, skill development, and economic opportunities, calling for shift towards self-employment activities. He also acknowledged the agrarian nature of Nagaland, emphasizing the government’s commitment to support farmers and unemployed youths through various policies and schemes.
The minister also highlighted on initiatives promoting economic empowerment for rural women, including the formation of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Village Level Organizations (VLOs), providing guidance and financial assistance.
He urged the leaders of the Zeliang community to adopt those government schemes to realize the dream of a better future.
Meanwhile, delivering solidarity message, president, All Zeliang Students’ Union (AMN) Stephen Disuang said that Naga Political Movement owes great deal to Zeliangrong people, however some individuals, both within and outside the Naga Community, have unjustly blamed the Zeliangrong community for initiating the Zeliangrong Homeland Movement.
“These critics fail to recognize that the Zeliangrong community wholeheartedly supports the larger Naga National cause” he said. He further pointed that the misunderstanding not only threatened their very existence but also undermines the sacrifices made by the Zeliangrong heroes.
Lamenting that the once united Zeliangrong family, has now become fragmented, Disuang called upon the young generation to rise up and collectively fight to make the long cherished dream of forefathers a reality.
Earlier, the inaugural programme was chaired by Cynthia Daimai and Sharon Zeliang, welcomed note by Organising committee Convenor, Amonbo Zeliang, introduction and presentation by President ZSUN, Aakam Pame.
Highlights of the programme included cultural dance performed by ZSUN, Liangmai Students’ Union Nagaland and Rongmei Students’ Union Nagaland, while words of gratitude delivered by ZSUN General Secretary Kibouwi Zeliang.
The event commenced with invocation by pastor, Jalukie B Baptist Church, Rev Heuzie and benediction by Associate pastor ZBC Jalukie Town, Chilak Pame. Meanwhile, Jamir unveiled the Monolith, which was dedicated by ES, RBCAN, Rev Mathiuthai Gonmei.
