Antiquated doctrines should make way for changes sweeping the world: SC Jamir

March 16, 2024 5 Views No Comment

‘Live in the present and mould the future’

Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 16

Distance lends charm to the view. But as one gets closer, the attraction evaporates yielding to a harsh and often unpalatable reality. According to Dr SC Jamir, the notion can well be relatable to Nagaland. “From a distance, it looks beautiful but as you come closer, you see the state we are in today,” said Jamir addressing the third convocation ceremony of St Joseph University, Sovima, Chümoukedima on March 15.

The university awarded certificates to some 1200 students on completing under-graduate, post-graduate and doctoral courses at the convocation ceremony.

The 5-time Chief Minister and former Governor used the Naga political situation with its many “groups of different labels and nomenclature” as backdrop to buttress his observation.

The protracted political conflict and splintering of the Naga political movement, he said, has inflicted so much damage that governance has almost collapsed with parallel governments running side by side. On the other hand, he defended the Government of India and Nagaland state government claiming that it has done so much for the people and yet “our people look everything with a jaundiced eye.”

He attributed the infighting to ignorance and blindness, however, he expressed optimism that the Naga people will surely retrospect and introspect to realising that they belong to one family. Once the realisation dawns, he said that there will be unity, love and compassion in the Naga society.

According to him, antiquated notions, doctrines and dogmas in the political and economic realms have been subjected to severe scrutiny and examination in light of modern theories and paradigms. In such a constantly evolving environment, he imagined a Naga leadership, including the Naga Political Groups, awake and aware of the “epoch-making changes that are now sweeping the world.”

While he vested hope in the younger generation to lead the path to transformation, he said that the young women and men graduating from the St Joseph University signify great hope and promise for the state and the country. As the graduates step out to a new frontier marked by stiff competition, he reminded them to “Grow and let others grow, rise and let others rise, compete and let others compete on a fair field.”

From two schools during his time to today having universities, he said that the state has clearly made progress on the educational front in the form of institutions like St Joseph investing in equipping the youth navigate the knowledge economy that banks on the information revolution.

While holding on to “roots” is important, he added, “We have to live in the present and mould the future. That duty and high task are especially cast on the young men and young women of today.”

He added, “As students of a young and dynamic state, you must take leadership role. I have every hope and confidence that with your knowledge positive action and thinking you will surely brighten the future of Nagaland and the country.”