Advisor to Chief Minister, and chairman Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), Abu Metha, emphasized on the vital role of unity and hard work for Nagaland’s youth.
He was addressing a gathering at the inaugural ceremony of All Nagaland College Students Union’s (ANCSU) Collegiate Meet, at Livingstone Foundation International College (LFIC). Metha said, “Young people of Nagaland are the power that unites people”, and considered them as ambassadors of the state adding that only through unity, Nagaland will find success.
He urged the students to rise above tribal divides and work towards a shared vision, expressing confidence in youth’s potential and urging them to focus on cultivating their unique talents and putting passion into their pursuits.
“Don’t chase dreams; pursue your talents and excel, so that the Nagaland of tomorrow is better than today,” he stated. Metha further highlighted the significance of events such as Olympics and FIFA World Cup, which bring more countries in the world under one umbrella, and noted that the Collegiate Meet was an opportunity to bring together over 40 colleges from across Nagaland to celebrate the energy and talents of young people under a single platform.
Nagaland, as gateway to the east and the Trans-ASEAN Highway cutting to the heart of Nagaland, he stated that the state was well positioned to participate in the growth expected in Asia this century.
He however stressed that hard work was the only route to achieve success and become beneficiaries of the growth. “To win the race, you have to train that extra mile. There is no luck in success,” Metha said, encouraging students that their efforts would be rewarded. “Young people should send a strong message that Nagaland is capable of achieving”, he stated.
Delivering a short message, chairman LFIC, Dr. Andrew Ahoto expressed hope for a stronger sense of unity and brotherhood among Nagas, citing the example of the collegiate meet. “We each have individual aims, but together we are one,” he said.
Ahoto further pointed that failure is not the opposite of success, but rather a part of success, and encouraged students to shun selfishness and negativity, to support one another, and to understand the purpose of life.
President Naga Students Federation (NSF), Medovi Rhi, who also addressed the gathering, underscored that the collegiate meet’s theme, “Enabling Potentialities”, as a testament to young people’s determination to rise above challenges.
“The Colligate Meet represent unique opportunities to enable one another and to become change maker in our society”, he opined.
Pointing that many youths in the state face limited educational opportunities and high unemployment, he opined that this should be taken as a call to action for harnessing collective potential.
He later urged participants to see themselves as agents of change, and ignite a shared sense of responsibility for future of Nagaland. Earlier, the programme was chaired by member, organizing committee, Benjong Longchar, and invocation offered by associate pastor Lotha Baptist Church Diphupar, Rev Yimtsu Yanthan.
Presidential address was delivered by president ANCSU, Tenyesinlo Bukh, key note address by convenor, organizing committee, Tsukjem Lkr, oath taking was administered by games and sports secretary ANCSU, Duve Tstse-O, and special numbers by Akokla Langu, and Arms Incorporation.