A two-day educational and career-oriented event titled “EduConnect: Connecting Education to Opportunities” begins on May 15, at the IBHIC, Dimapur, bringing together educational institutions, industry experts, policymakers, and aspiring students under one platform.
The programme is being organized with the objective of creating stronger linkages between education, skill development, and employment opportunities for the youth of Nagaland.
Chairman of IDAN and Advisor to the Chief Minister, Abu Mehta, described the programme as a significant initiative aimed at creating meaningful academic and professional opportunities for students. “This may seem like a small programme, but it is significant,” he said, while highlighting that thousands of students had participated in previous editions and many had found pathways to successful academic and professional careers.
Emphasizing the importance of education, Metha stated that in today’s world, “knowledge is power” and encouraged students to equip themselves with education and technological skills, which he described as both “armor and weapon” for the future.
Highlighting the rapid growth of technology, he pointed out how modern life is powered by information technology – from Smartphones and satellites to digital platforms such as online shopping, entertainment, and food delivery applications. He urged students to master technology and adapt to the rapidly changing world. “The uneducated of today are not those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot use modern technology,” he remarked.
Metha noted that unlike earlier generations, students today have instant access to information through the internet and digital devices. He encouraged them to use technology responsibly for self-improvement and learning rather than for negativity.
Addressing the influence of social media, he cautioned students against spreading misinformation and rumors online. He advised them to verify information before forwarding or sharing it and to consider whether such information could harm individuals or relationships. At the same time, he highlighted the positive potential of social media, saying it allows individuals to showcase their talents and creativity to a global audience instantly.
Speaking on career opportunities, Metha said the traditional belief that success lies only in becoming a doctor, engineer, or government servant had changed significantly. He told students that today there are hundreds of career avenues available and that success depends on dedication, hard work, and excellence in whichever profession one chooses.
“There is no single profession we can say is better than the other,” he said, adding that honest hard work and discipline would ultimately lead to success.
He encouraged students to fully utilize the opportunities provided at Educonnect 2024 by interacting with participating universities and resource persons, many of whom had travelled long distances to guide and mentor them. In his concluding remarks, he delivered a message of hope and motivation to the youth of Nagaland, stating that their dreams and ambitions were the collective responsibility of society and institutions. “You must succeed so that the Nagaland of tomorrow is better than the Nagaland of today,” he said, adding that the success of the youth would contribute not only to the progress of Nagaland but also to India’s nation-building process.
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Addressing the gathering, Additional Secretary, Finance Dept & IDAN, Vineet Kumar, IAS, said the objective of Educonnect 2024 was to create a “window of opportunities” for students by exposing them to various career paths and educational options available across the country. He informed that the programme was designed to be inclusive, with arrangements made for live streaming across all 16 districts of Nagaland through the offices of the Deputy Commissioners, enabling students unable to attend physically to participate remotely.
He encouraged students to carefully evaluate three important factors before selecting any course, degree, or institution — their personal interests, future relevance of the field in a rapidly changing world, and their long-term life goals. According to him, career choices should align not only with academic preferences but also with the kind of lifestyle students aspire to pursue.
Acknowledging the confusion many students face while making career decisions, Kumar said teachers, faculty members, and professionals present at the event had all gone through similar experiences and understood the challenges involved. He urged students to fully utilize the two-day programme by interacting with participating colleges and institutions, asking questions, and gathering as much information as possible before making decisions.
He expressed hope that the event would help students gain broader exposure to educational and career opportunities and enable them to make well-informed decisions about their futures.
Founder, Cryptex Solo, Akash Baishya in his address stated that Nagaland has got immense talent, creativity, potential and with the right opportunities and guidance the youth of this region can achieve remarkable success in academics, education and media, technology, hospitality, fashion and many sectors. He hoped EduConnect 2026 would be a meaningful experience for every student attending this program.
Manager, International Admission, Aria Institute of Technology, Anil R in his address, emphasized the importance of setting clear future goals and choosing career paths aligned with emerging job opportunities over the next five years. Participants were urged to utilize the educational outreach programme as an opportunity to interact with institutions, seek career guidance, and gather detailed information about courses and future job markets. He concluded with a call for students to pursue careers not only for financial stability but also in alignment with their passion, personal goals, and contribution to society.
A significant highlight of the programme was the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Atria Institute of Technology and the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), where it proposes a framework for collaboration in areas such as academic cooperation, skill development initiatives, student engagement programmes, and opportunities aimed at supporting capacity building and educational advancement for students from Nagaland.
Under the MoU, the Atria–IT Scholarship Program shall be offered through IDAN under the “Future Achievers Scholarship Program.” The scholarships will be awarded to meritorious students based on their potential to excel academically. Upon admission, the selected students will be regularly monitored with regard to their academic performance and attendance.
Further, IDAN shall evaluate the applications received for the Atria–IT–IDAN Scholarship and submit the list of shortlisted students, along with copies of their testimonials, on or before 15th June 2026. An official advertisement and detailed notification regarding the scholarship programme will be issued upon the formal signing of the MoU.
The inaugural session concluded with closing remarks by Under Secretary, IDAN, I. Changsang, NCS followed by visits to institutional booths showcasing various educational programmes, courses, and career opportunities. The events further continue with a series of technical sessions focusing on emerging career opportunities and higher education pathways.
The technical session began with a presentation on “The Future of Filmmaking in Nagaland” by Kivini Shohe, who highlighted the growing potential of the film and creative industries in the state and encouraged aspiring youth to explore opportunities in media and film making. This was followed by a session on “Scope in Business and Finance & Studying Abroad” presented by representatives from the University of Liverpool, where students were informed about international education opportunities and career prospects in global finance and business sectors.
Speaking on “Career Opportunities in Hotel and Hospitality Management,” Indrani, Head of Department at the State Institute of Hotel Management, elaborated on the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the hospitality industry and the expanding scope of tourism-related careers.
Officials from the State Bank of India Regional Business Unit also conducted a session on education loan opportunities for higher studies, providing students with information on financial assistance and support systems available for pursuing professional and academic courses.
Another session titled “Choice of Career, Campus and Course” was delivered by Geo Baby, who advised students to make informed decisions based on their interests, career goals, and future industry relevance.
Addressing the gathering on “Exploring Careers in Social Work and Community Welfare,” Rev Father G L Khing, Vice Principal and Administrator of NEISSR, stressed the importance of social service and community-oriented professions in today’s society.
The programme also featured a talk on fashion designing by Gulshan Kumar from the Film and Television Institute of India, where students were encouraged to explore careers in fashion, design, and creative arts.
Representatives from North East Christian University also interacted with participants and shared insights on academic programmes and career development opportunities available through the institution.
