The Nyiro Range Students’ Union (NRSU) commemorated 50 years of its existence with a Golden Jubilee celebration held at Yanthamo Local Ground, Wokha, on December 30, 2015 on the theme “Honouring the Past, Igniting the Future.” The event was graced by Deputy Chief Minister, Yanthungo Patton, as the special guest.
As part of the jubilee observance, a commemorative Jubilee Monolith marking the Golden Jubilee of NRSU (1975–2025) was unveiled earlier in the day by the Deputy Chief Minister and dedicated by Rev Sulumo Ezung.
Addressing the gathering, Patton reflected on the challenges confronting present-day Naga youth, particularly issues related to intoxication and unhealthy lifestyles. He urged the younger generation to bring about positive change, stressing that individual responsibility and hard work are key to shaping a secure future.
Drawing a comparison with Mizoram, he pointed out that local people there actively engage in labour, trade and business, unlike in Nagaland.
Patton further appealed to parents to refrain from forcing career choices upon their children and instead allow them to follow their interests. Touching upon environmental concerns, he called for the conservation of birds and wildlife, advocated a ban on hunting, and encouraged the promotion of tourism, highlighting the region’s vast potential.
He also advised students not to limit themselves to government employment but to explore opportunities in sports, entrepreneurship and other sectors, expressing optimism about future development in the area.
The jubilee theme was elaborated by theme speaker, Meribeni Zares Ezung, Project Lead, Nagaland Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Mission (NSEDM), IDAN. She paid tribute to the pioneers of the Union and recalled the hardships faced by earlier generations in accessing education. Highlighting the growing unemployment crisis, she noted that nearly 92 per cent of Naga youth currently lack adequate skills.
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Stressing the importance of skill-based livelihoods, she stated that sustainable income generation lies in skill development and entrepreneurship. Observing that society often places excessive emphasis on success in competitive examinations, she urged the youth to broaden their perspective beyond government jobs. She added that current policies are increasingly oriented towards skill development and entrepreneurship, calling upon young people to remain resilient, hardworking and future-oriented.
Earlier, Convenor of the Jubilee Organising Committee, N Motsuthung Yanthan, delivered the welcome address and expressed gratitude to all participants and guests, describing the Golden Jubilee as a reflection of shared values and collective progress.
The programme was chaired by Phyobeni Ngullie and Dr Nsungbemo Ezung, while the invocation was offered by Rev C Ramongo Ezung, Pastor of Longsachung Baptist Church. Special musical presentations were rendered by Longsachung Baptist Church and Niyoro Baptist Church In-charge Youth Directors. Greetings on behalf of the Lotha Students’ Union were delivered by its President, Lirhonthung Kithan, and a short address was given by former MLA and former NRSU President (1976–1978), Yankithung Yanthan.
