Minister for Higher Education and Tourism, Temjen Imna Along, addressing the gathering during the event organised by the University of Science & Technology Meghalaya (USTM) at Town Hall, Dimapur on June 20.
Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 20
Nagaland Minister for Higher Education and Tourism, Temjen Imna Along, on Saturday stressed that education must be transformative rather than merely reformative, enabling individuals to face life's challenges and contribute meaningfully to society, the state and the nation.
Addressing the Institutional Excellence Award-2026, a lecture on “NEP 2020 & Career Opportunities”, and the felicitation of NBSE HSSLC Top Achievers-2026 at Town Hall, Dimapur, the minister welcomed the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), describing it as the “new trending university in the Northeast.”
On behalf of the State Government and the Higher Education Department, Along appreciated USTM for choosing Nagaland to felicitate academic achievers and institutions, terming the initiative commendable.
Highlighting the significance of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, he said education systems must evolve to create tangible impact on people and society. While Nagaland is among the country's most literate states, he remarked that educational qualifications alone cannot guarantee success unless individuals are willing to apply their knowledge and create change on the ground.
Referring to global competitiveness, Along said hard work remains a key factor in national progress, adding that society must move away from complacency and embrace a culture of productivity and responsibility.
He noted that the future economy would increasingly be driven by science, technology, artificial intelligence, robotics, aerospace and drone technology, warning that many existing jobs could disappear over the next two decades.
Teachers, he said, must adapt to AI-enabled and digital modes of learning to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.
Expressing concern over the growing disconnect between education and practical skills, the minister cited an instance where students from farming families had to be taught basic gardening and cultivation techniques. He said education should not alienate young people from traditional knowledge and livelihoods.
Calling for collective responsibility in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and a developed Nagaland, Along urged educators to extend their knowledge beyond classrooms and actively engage with villages and communities.
He encouraged teachers and scholars to adopt nearby villages and help address local challenges through knowledge-sharing and capacity-building.
He also observed that many developmental initiatives in villages fail due to a lack of proper knowledge and planning, stressing that educated professionals must play a greater role in guiding communities towards sustainable progress.
On concerns raised by the All Nagaland College Students' Union (ANCSU) regarding the girls’ hostel project at Kohima Science College, Jotsoma, Along clarified that the project was being funded through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and not directly by either the State or Central Government. He said the department remains committed to pursuing the matter with the concerned agency and implementing partners to ensure the project is completed.
