The All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) begins its Collegiate Meet 2024 today at Livingstone Foundation International College, Dimapur under the theme “Enabling Potentialities.” This five-day event will culminate on November 2, 2024, with participation from 35 colleges across Nagaland out of the 39 affiliated with ANCSU, along with support from 21 collaborating partners. Alemtemshi Jamir, (Retd) Former Chief Secretary of Nagaland graced the occasion as the Introductory Guest and Hokato Hotozhe Sema, Bronze Medalist Paralympic Games Paris 2024 as the Honoured Guest.
Introductory Guest Alemtemshi Jamir in his speech emphasized the need for students to adapt to the rapid changes shaping the 21st century. Jamir began his address with a quote from Alvin Toffler’s seminal work, Future Shock: “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read or write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” He highlighted that modern literacy transcends basic skills, moving towards a cycle of continuous learning, application, and re-learning due to the “mind-boggling” pace of societal change.
Jamir took the congregation on a historical overview, underscoring humanity’s journey from early hunter-gatherer societies to the present “age of acceleration,” where advancements in technology, economy, and politics are transforming society at unprecedented rates. He pointed to the rapid globalization of markets, the escalation of climate-related changes, and shifts in political landscapes as key accelerators that today’s youth must navigate. Jamir remarked, “Today, the world is not only rapidly changing, but it’s being dramatically reshaped, operating differently in many realms simultaneously.”
Jamir illustrated this “age of acceleration” by highlighting key areas affected by rapid change, including global markets, environmental shifts, and the dynamics of modern politics. He pointed out the importance of adaptability in the face of these shifts, stating, “Be bold, be brave, be adventurous, and not afraid to change, provided the change that you believe is right”
He encouraged the students to be the “thinkers” of their generation, stating that their role is critical in bringing clarity and values into an age he described as one of “confusion and chaos.” The youths of Nagaland, who he described as “forward, expressive, eloquent, and dynamic,” are expected to lead these changes and meet the challenges brought by the accelerated pace of global development. He urged them to embrace a mindset of change by engaging in “learning, unlearning, and relearning” and to pursue innovation, courage, and adaptability in addressing both local and global issues.
Reflecting on Nagaland’s current challenges, Jamir spoke about the importance of redefining traditional governance models, encouraging students to think critically about issues such as tribalism, sustainable development, and the responsible management of Nagaland’s natural resources. He stressed that “tribalism has overshadowed many things” and suggested that a collective identity as “Nagas” should take precedence.
To conclude, Jamir imparted words of encouragement, saying that the students’ potential is a gift from God, quoting Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
The event began with an opening show by the host college, followed by an introduction by H. Kivika Achumi, Vice President of ANCSU. The welcome address was delivered by L. Achilo Kikon, Assistant Professor from the Department of Political Science at LFIC. Wapang, Head GB of Kevijau Colony, Dimapur, also gave greetings. The session featured a special musical performance by Dimapur Government College, was chaired by Dzüzüve Swüro, ANCSU Speaker, and began with an invocation by Zhimoholi S. Zhimomi, Chaplain and Counselor at LFI.
This year’s ANCSU Collegiate Meet centers on three main pillars: Sports, Music, and Knowledge Hub. These areas provide students with a platform to showcase their athletic abilities, musical talents, and academic knowledge.
In the Sports segment, students will participate in competitions designed to build teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship. The Music platform will celebrate creative expression, allowing students to perform and connect through cultural and artistic mediums. Meanwhile, the Knowledge Hub will promote intellectual growth, fostering critical thinking and collaborative learning through sessions led by various resource persons, partner departments,
organizations, and educational or professional institutions.
Together, these pillars aim to “enable potentialities,” aiming to develop well-rounded skills and inspire the future leaders of Nagaland.
