Minister Metsubo Jamir along with CNSA officials and other dignitaries, during the inaugural session of the 5th General Conference of the Central Nagaland Students' Association, held on June 6 at IMC Hall, Dimapur.
Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 6
The 5th General Conference of the Central Nagaland Students’ Association (CNSA) entered its final day with Metsubo Jamir, Minister of Rural Development & SIRD, gracing the inaugural session as the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, Jamir said it is a privilege to be a member of the Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC), underscoring their status as pioneers in the state. “After all, the three tribes have been spearheading the development, progress and wellbeing of the state. In whatever path that we have taken, we have stayed true,” he said.
He acknowledged the past leaders and the upcoming young leaders today in leading the community. “Our tribes should never forget, be it bureaucrats, politicians, pastors, or teachers, we have been and we are the people that have brought good efforts to our state, leaving our comfort for the love of the Nagas.” Jamir added that “we are the tribes who have gone to remote places, to the last part of Nagaland to preach the gospel.”
While diversity enriches us when approached constructively, he noted that it is unity that drives progress.Jamir assured the gathering of the CNTC’s commitment to contributing to the welfare of the Nagas. He acknowledged the youth of the three tribes who have recently brought laurels to the Naga community as a whole, by clearing the UPSC examinations, rather than as representatives of any particular tribe.
While lauding the state for being declared the fourth most literate in the country, Jamir mentioned the disturbing trend of today’s youth growing up with a ‘sense of entitlement.’
He emphasised that education is the empowering tool to work towards something that you want. “It is not meant for others to give you something that you want because you’re educated.” Calling out entitlement as a grave danger to society, he urged the CNSA to strive towards empowerment, while encouraging parents to teach their children to take responsibility for their own future, with education as their greatest tool and source of power.
On the employment policy issue, the minister said that only the fittest will be given the chance. Along these lines, he was confident that the three tribes will strive for excellence in whatever field they work for, and in turn uplift the society.
He also encouraged the students to seek other avenues, such as entrepreneurial activities and various schemes provided by the government and the NGOs, instead of focusing solely on government jobs.
Jamir reiterated the power of unity, in keeping with the CNSA’s theme, calling upon the three tribes to be one. “Then nothing will be impossible for us. In fact, nothing has been impossible for us so far,” he added.
Earlier during the event, President of the CNSA, R Sunep Pongen, in his address acknowledged the three student unitsfor their relentless support in guiding and shaping the CNSA to where it stands today.
He said that the ‘power of possibilities’ speaks not only to personal achievement, but also to collective empowerment. Pongen observed that in order to strive forward, the Nagas need to leave behind ‘old thoughts’ as well.
He added that this conference offers a platform to share experiences, challenges and possibilities that will transcend boundaries.
Greetings were also delivered by Zuchomo Mozhui, Joint Secretary of the CNTC, and Atoli Sema, President of the CNWA. Extending greetings on behalf of the CNTC, Mozhui appealed to the student leaders to be aware of pertaining issues plaguing the society. He also urged the students familiarise themselves with the various schemes and projects across the country, which will empower them to be more independent and well-informed.
Congratulating the CNSA and the organising committee on a well-organised event, Atoli Sema remarked that the theme is apt for today’s generation. In her brief address, she reassured the students that possibilities are always there, “but we need something to make that possible.”
In this context, she assertedthat ‘hard work’ is the ‘power’behind possibilities. “If you work hard, you will surely achieve whatever you are trying to accomplish. If you don’t work, you will not get anything despite your talents,” she remarked.
Citing the Bible, Sema also encouraged the students to honour and respects their parents, adding, “That is where blessings will come.”
The day also featured the theme session, with Dr Andrew Ahoto, Chairman, Livingstone Foundation Group of Institutions, as the theme speaker. The valedictory session included the installation of the new office bearers for the 2025-2028 term.
