Y. Patton, deputy CM, on September 22, told the Lotha students of Shillong to be ambassadors for Nagaland by exhibiting positive qualities of the Nagas.
A press release from the deputy CM’s media cell stated that Patton was speaking as the special invitee at the golden jubilee celebration of Lotha Ekhae Ekhung Shillong (LEES) at Naga Community Hall, Nagaland House, Shillong. Patton told the students, “You are studying outside your home state and so you represent the image of the Naga people” and “if your behaviour sends out negative vibes, then you are destroying the image of Naga people, but if you show the positive side of you and the true characteristics as handed down to us through generations, then you are building the image of Nagaland.”
Patton also recalled his student times in Shillong during the 1970s when he also served as the president of LEES and said he was filled with nostalgia. “During our times, it was difficult to have instant and easy communication among each other as it is today….. things have totally changed today. Any information is immediately given out and received” he said.
He also said that students were more sincere and hardworking before the onset of technology since back then they did not have as many distractions.
Patton recalled that they had to rely on classroom lectures and the library for study material but today the students have internet where almost all study materials are readily available. Patton said today’s generation was fortunate to be enjoying such benefits and facilities and yet if they do not do better in studies than those who studied during difficult times, then they were lacking in responsibilities and duties as a student.
He advised them to be studious, hardworking, determined and most important of all fear the Lord. He encouraged and challenged the student community by announcing a cash prize for students who crack UPSC and NPSC examinations during his ministership.
Patton also spoke about the unemployment problem and said that the government could not give jobs to every graduating student and encouraged them to take up vocational skills and explore avenues in the private sector.