Chief guest Metsübo Jamir, Minister for Rural Development & SIRD, GoN, along with keynote speaker Dr. Tiasunep, officials, and members of the Youth Association Aongza Ward (YAAW) during the Silver Jubilee celebration held at Aongza Ki, Mokokchung, on October 1. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | October 2
“Education is empowerment, not entitlement,” asserted Metsübo Jamir, Minister for Rural Development and SIRD, Government of Nagaland, as he urged young people to shed the expectation of securing jobs through family or political influence and instead strive for self-reliance.
Addressing the youth during the Silver Jubilee celebration of the Youth Association Aongza Ward (YAAW) on October 1 at Aongza Ki, Mokokchung, Jamir emphasised that education should enable individuals to stand on their own feet, not serve as a claim to privilege. “Be brave and confident to stand on your own. It is an embarrassment to ask your parents to get you a job. If you call yourself an educated youth, remove the sense of entitlement and be empowered to stand on your own,” he said.
“If you expect a job just because you have completed an education milestone, the life cycle will stop,” he warned.
Jamir also cautioned young people on the misuse of technology, stating that. “Telephone is a tool, not a friend,” he said, urging both youths and elders to use technology judiciously and productively.
Jamir shared that he has been connected to the ward for eight years and now considers himself a citizen of it. Describing Aongza as a “blessed ward,” he pointed out that seven MLAs from the 27 Mokokchung Town Assembly Constituency have come from the ward, except himself and his predecessor.
Praising the youth of Aongza he stated that about 60% of them have non-political orientation, and that they will be community-focused and work for collective welfare rather than personal or political interests. “There will be various influences, but be truthful to the ideology you stand for. If youths are united, you can overcome anything, and your strength will be unwavering,” he added.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Tiasunep, Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology, NU, spoke on the importance of collective thinking and open-mindedness. He described Aongza Ward’s strength as its culture of freely exchanging ideas rather than being dominated by a single voice. “Creativity and innovation are born out of collective ideas. Since our knowledge is limited, it is only through diverse perspectives that we see the whole picture,” he said. He urged the youth to remain open to different opinions and criticisms, stating that accepting one’s faults and weaknesses is essential for growth and innovation.
The Silver Jubilee of YAAW, celebrated under the theme “Rooted in Strength, Soaring to Greatness,” also featured addresses from YAAW President Talisunep Ozukum and Aongza Ward Chairman R Longritemjen Ao, a Jubilee song by Aongza Youth Fellowship and MTBA Youth Ministry, and release of a Jubilee souvenir by guest of honor Temjenmoa Jamir, CEO of Nagaland Minerals and Mines.
As part of the celebration, YAAW adopted two resolutions — one to promote youth development through regular sports, music, and art activities, and another to address unemployment by conducting entrepreneurial workshops for skill-building and self-reliance.
