KUHUBOTO (NAGALAND), Dec 30 � The 80.11 per cent literacy rate of Nagaland is only basic and it is not everything, said Chief Minister Neiphu Rio while pointing to the poor state of higher education in the State.
Addressing the golden jubilee celebration of the Western Sumi Students Union at Kuhuboto town recently, Rio said, �When we look at higher education level in the State, it stands at mere 12 per cent which is much below the national level.�
While saluting the pioneers who brought education to the State, he said though the literacy rate of the State is comfortable, it is not going to make us survive or excel. He urged the student community to find ways to bring students to higher education while also stating that it is the responsibility of everyone to raise the level of higher education in the State. On its part, the government will see how to improve it, he asserted.
Stressing on the huge importance of education in one�s life, he said there are two categories of people in the world � one is efficient and the other is in-efficient. �The more educated you are the more efficient you are,� he said while pointing to the cut-throat competition in today�s world.
Highlighting the functional principles of rich and developed countries, the CM said we can conquer if we follow the principle of integrity, sense of responsibility, discipline and punctuality. He added that �It is time to come out of our comfort zone to survive and excel.�
He also challenged the youth of the State take up the responsibility to march forward and take the people forward, stating that the future depends on the youth.
�Let this jubilee be a time of introspection and retrospection,� he stated. Also, stating that the future of the State does not depend on one individual, he sought participation of all Nagas to march forward along with the rest of the world.
Acknowledging the role played by the Sumis in Naga nationalism and in the Naga society, he explained that it is the responsibility of every Naga to uphold the recognition given to the Nagas by the Indian Union and become visible by putting all the potentials together.
Reiterating on peace and unity among the Nagas, he stressed on the need to unite and live in cohesion. On the Naga political issue, he warned that unless we resolve it with a cool head, the dark days may come back to us.
Wishing the people of the State a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year and prosperous Nagaland, he said, �Let peace be in our society and let peace dwell in our minds.�
