Deputy Chief Minister & Minister for Home & Border Affairs, Y Patton on Thursday warned that the erosion of cultural consciousness among the younger generation poses a serious threat to identity, unity, and progress.
Addressing the 53rd General Conference of the Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) at Old Changsu village, as special guest, Patton expressed concern that while traditional attire is still worn during festivals and ceremonies, many youths no longer understand the names, meanings, or stories behind them. Emphasizing that language is the foundation of identity, he urged students to actively speak and preserve the Lotha language in daily life rather than confining it to formal occasions.
Calling for a shift from symbolic observance to sustained action, Patton appealed to village authorities and student bodies to institutionalize cultural activities such as folk songs, traditional practices, and awareness programmes to ensure continuity across generations.
Turning to education, the Deputy Chief Minister sounded the alarm over the steady decline in student enrolment in village schools, cautioning that several institutions are on the brink of closure. He stressed that true development cannot be achieved if villages are neglected and urged communities, parents, and teachers to restore faith in rural school education.
Patton also delivered a stern reminder on accountability in public service, stating that complacency and absenteeism among government employees have weakened the system. He made it clear that public service must be treated as a responsibility, not an entitlement, and warned that negligence or absenteeism would no longer be tolerated.
Reflecting on the past, he recalled a time when the Lotha community was widely respected for discipline and dedication in government service, observing that this legacy has faded. He called on the present generation to restore that reputation through sincerity and hard work.
On employment, Patton pointed out that Nagaland has one of the highest ratios of government employees to population, with nearly 1.31 lakh government servants serving a population of about 20 lakh. With government jobs nearing saturation, he urged youths to pursue skill-based careers and entrepreneurship, while advising serious aspirants to prepare diligently for competitive examinations such as NPSC and UPSC.
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Describing the Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) as a pillar of unity with its 91 affiliated units, Patton urged students to move forward together, reminding them that unity, respect for elders, and cooperation are the foundations of sustainable progress.
He affirmed that the future trajectory of the Lotha community lies firmly in the hands of its student body.
The thematic discussion was deepened by Prof Athungo Ovung, Professor of Sociology at Nagaland University, who presented a stark assessment of the employment scenario in the state.
Referring to the 2025 employment and unemployment survey, he stated that 75,000 individuals are currently registered as job seekers, while 35,000 students graduate annually, against a backdrop of merely 600 to 700 government vacancies each year.
Prof Ovung highlighted that 92% of graduates lack employable skills, making the pursuit of government jobs unrealistic for the majority. He argued that the prevailing obsession with degrees has created a mismatch between education and employability, leaving many capable youths directionless.
Linking his address to the conference theme, he urged students to “transcend borders” by reimagining success beyond government employment. He encouraged innovation, creativity, skill acquisition, and digital engagement, pointing to the vast opportunities available through social media, online platforms, freelancing, and small-scale entrepreneurship.
He further noted that although the government has launched several skill-development initiatives, youth participation remains limited due to societal pressure and misplaced expectations.
Calling for a change in mindset, Prof Ovung challenged the students to become self-reliant and adaptive, capable of creating opportunities in a rapidly changing world.
The second day of the 53rd General Conference of the Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) at Old Changsu village drew together students, community leaders, and policymakers to reflect on identity, responsibility, and the future of the youth. Hosted by the Englan Range Students’ Union, the conference was held under the theme “Transcend Beyond Borders.”
The special guest was joined by Renbomo Ezung, ADC Wokha; Biren Lotha, ASP Wokha and Er Mhondamo Ovung, Chairman of the Lotha Hoho, among other dignitaries.
Earlier in the day, the monolith commemorating the 53rd General Conference was inaugurated by the Deputy Chief Minister and dedicated by Rev Fr Renthungo N. Odyuo, Principal of Holy Cross Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, at GHS, Englan, marking the conference as both symbolic and forward-looking.
