Student bodies must not act as political mouthpieces: Ozukum

PWD minister Tongpang Ozukum has asked All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) and other student bodies not to allow themselves to be used as mouthpieces by political parties, but rather serve as platform for students to voice their rights and concerns.

Attending the Collegiate Meet 2018 organised by ANCSU at Dimapur Government College ground here on Wednesday as a special guest, Ozukum lauded the efforts of the student body led by Katho P Awomi in organising an event of such a magnitude. He said the platform provided by the collegiate meet every year had led to discovery of many sportspersons and musicians who went on to carve out a niche for themselves. 

Ozukum, who was closely associated with ANCSU on three such meets in the past, remarked that it should be recognised and accorded due importance both by Nagaland University and the State government.

He also informed those present of the upcoming national inter-universities sports’ meet “Khelo India” initiated by the ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in collaboration with Association of Indian Universities, to be held in New Delhi from January 12 to 24, 2019.  In this regard, he asked ANCSU office-bearers to approach the State government for sending a contingent representing Nagaland, even as he assured all necessary support.

Dwelling on the importance of sports, the PWD minister mentioned, “Sports has no language and unites people. It breaks down walls brought about by politics and other divisive forces.” He advocated fair play and urged the students to compete hard, but fairly.

Naga Students’ Federation general secretary Imtiyapang Imsong, who also spoke on the occasion, lamented that despite being blessed with talents and capabilities, Naga youth had failed to capitalise on these strengths to make successful careers.

Imsong revealed that the State currently had 70,000 registered educated unemployed youth and that thousands were added to the list every year. He pointed out how most youth today unfortunately only aspired for government jobs, adding that the youth were not entirely to blame for the predicament they find themselves in, but that a part of the blame laid on the educational system and society.

In his keynote address, Organising committee convener Tsukjem Lkr called for a paradigm shift from the grassroots level and stressed active participation of youth to bring about transformation in the society.

ANCSU president Katho P Awomi, in his presidential address, recalled briefly the tumultuous time the union had gone through in the last few months, adding that students had still not received their full scholarship and that government colleges were still endangered. He feared that students might need to brace up for “another battle.”  He further urged the students present to unite through sports and other platforms provided by ANCSU.

The other highlights of the programme included invocation by Dimapur Lotha Baptist Church associate pastor John Ovung, felicitation of special guests and dignitaries, a song by Neilau Thapru from Kohima College, administration of oath by ANCSU vice-president and games and sports in-charge Benjong Longchar and kick-off by the special guest.