State chief minister Neiphiu Rio Friday said that Nagas were now “literate but yet to be civilized.” Stating that Nagas had struggled in the past and now they had “wealth, government, education”, the chief minister expressed positive feelings that there was still room for progress.
Rio was addressing the 50th Golden Jubilee of Kidima Students’ Union (KSU) at Kidima village ground as the chief guest. The celebration was held under the theme “Whi-To” (shall strive with best effort).
The chief minister said the current literacy rate of the state (80.11 %) was made possible with the arrival of Christianity in Nagaland which also transformed the Naga society.
Rio also advocated harmonization of “our” being mentally, physically and spiritually and urged parents, teachers and students to synchronize responsibilities. He also observed that among students, there was a sense of competition and called on the youths to protect the family, village and the state.
Earlier, the chief minister unveiled the jubilee monolith and also released the jubilee souvenir.
The programme was marked by folk songs, welcome address by KSU president P. Tepekrovi Kiso, obituary, special number by Virha brothers, jubilee message by Dr. Viral Yore, convener, organizing committee, golden jubilee, SU and KSU genesis in brief by former president Dr. Dehezo Kintso.
MLA and chairman NKVIB, Dr. Nicky Kire, MLA and advisor IT, Vikho Yhoshu, party workers, government officials, student leaders from various units, Angami Public Organization (APO), participants from neighboring villages attended the grand celebration.