Nagaland: Youth parliament competition grooming future leaders

Neiba Kronu addressing the inaugural function of the State Level Parliamentary quiz and youth parliament debate competition. (Morung Photo)
 

State Level Parliamentary quiz and youth parliament debate competition held 
 

Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 18

As part of grooming future leaders and evolving the young citizens in the legislature, the state’s department of parliamentary affairs today conducted a State Level Parliamentary quiz and youth parliament debate competition here today at ATI under the theme “Be the voice.”

‘Lack of governance is responsible for slow growth and development in Nagaland’ and RIIN - advantages and disadvantages were the topics for the quiz and debate competition respectively.

Around 60 students from the districts of Phek, Wokha, Mokokchung, Kohima, Peren, Kiphire, Dimapur, Longleng, Mon and Zunheboto joined the event.

Wokha district emerged first position in quiz competition while Longleng and Peren district stood second and third position respectively.

In debate competition, Joy Makhal of Dimapur district stood first while Thungchobeni T. Ezung of Wokha district and Kevediilii Nakro of Kohima district stood second and third position respectively.

 
‘Youth parliament competitions help shape many young minds’
Gracing the inaugural function, minister for planning & coordination, land revenue & parliamentary affairs Neiba Kronu said that youth parliament competitions are now being practiced all over the country and such practices have helped shape many young minds in our state and the country as well.

He also remarked that a student’s life is the best time to learn and such competition will prepare them to inculcate competitive spirit.

Kronu asserted that unlike the previous generation the present generation are the luckiest as they are able to obtain information or knowledge about the world or any topic they want to learn from the media and also through wide range of books.

He also encouraged the students to strive for excellence making use of the latest technology and other various medium of media and only then they will be able to compete with the rest of the world.

He further remarked that there is countless opportunities for students but unless they struggle and work hard they will not be able to compete with others.

He encouraged all to strive and be best at whatever they do and reassured the students not to worry about finding jobs in the near future; adding that whatever job they want will come looking for them if they are hardworking, sincere, honest and punctual. “Learning is a continuous process,” he said and urged upon the students to keep learning new things every day.
“Job is everywhere,” Kronu said adding that job will come in search of those who are smart, honest and punctual.

“Don’t worry about job. Job is available in every part of the world,” he said.

 
‘Youth parliament contributes immensely to deepening of our democracy’
Motsuthung Lotha, commissioner and & secretary for parliamentary affairs maintained that the youth parliament contributes immensely to the deepening of our democracy and it is one of the most effective tools for involvement and participation of the young citizens in the legislature.

He said that the state of Nagaland state has the means, the good will, the people and the resources to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality.

It is within our grasp, but it will not happen unless we write this new story; a story of people, their relationships, their dreams and their hopes for a better tomorrow. We want our young people to have better life chances than we have, he said.

“Our critical task at hand is to continuously inspire hope to the people of Nagaland and it is the youth that carries a great potential to achieve this goal, “ the commissioner and secretary said adding that if the young people of today are not focused, not educated and not organized then the future is doomed.

He said at a time when our young Nagas are facing serious challenges of the world today, the department of parliamentary affairs continues to play a pivotal role, creating platforms like this (parliamentary quiz and youth parliament competition) to promote the youth to speak up and impact agenda for change.

“This kind of platform inspires the youth to express their views in an organized manner and facilitate grooming of future leaders,” he said.

He assured that the department is committed to train the youth and ensure their full participation in the making of a better world to live.

“As young people, you should take pride in knowing that you are an asset to every nation as you bring innovative ideas, you bring fresh perspectives, new ideas, and inject lot of energy in our quest to move the nations forward,” he said.

He said that the department felt the need to create platforms for the youth to showcase their talent and present forth their ideas towards promoting development, peace and democracy.

Further, he said that the department has event planned activities and some tours that will undoubtedly give delegates and participants an opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of our people.

Earlier, the function was chaired by Evothung Ezung, coordinator state level youth parliament while vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Eunice Alinger, Asst. professor, Kohima College Kohima.