Governor of Nagaland, La Ganesan attended the District Level Yuva Utsav at the St. Xavier College auditorium in Jalukie, Peren on Wednesday. The festival was organized by the host college and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan and sponsored by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports under the theme ‘Remove Any Trace of Colonial Mindset’.
The Governor, in his speech, commended St. Xavier College for all that it has achieved since starting with just 7 students. He expressed his delight to know that it has produced University toppers, NSS National Awardee from the President of India, NCC National campers and medal winners for Nagaland Olympics 2022.
La Ganesan lauded the institute for not only confining itself to the pursuits of academic excellence but in other co- curricular activities as well, mentioning that students have found places in the state teams of cricket, archery, football, athletics, etc. He also remarked at the high enrolment of girls students in the college.
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The Governor said the struggles and sacrifices of the founding fathers of the nation ought to be remembered and like them, one should be model citizens of the country. He told the youths that one is duty bound to not only speak of Fundamental Rights along but also perform one’s Fundamental Duties which includes holding and protecting the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of the nation.
One should not just conform to the law of existence that is birth-grow-marry-bear children-die, he said. With education comes responsibility; responsibility towards our own-self, towards our families, towards our state, and our country, he added and said that he hoped that each and every student present at the programme would be an inspiration and role model for everyone around them and contribute towards nation building.
At the Yuva Utsav, La Ganesan also launched E-rickshaw, an initiative that will give a new resource for the girls students. The vehicles will be managed by the girls students and supervised by the women’s Cell. The Governor said that he hoped the initiative will instil the youth especially the girls with greater sense of dignity of labour and responsibility.
On the arrival of the chief guest, the National Anthem was played by the Assam Rifles band party and prayer song was delivered by the Xavierite choir.
Earlier, Dr. Fr Francis Cheerangal, Principal of St Xavier College, shared the Xavierite’s 18 years story. He expressed his happiness and said that the college was “blessed with your footprint in this campus today.” Dr. Cheerangal reminisced the day of 17 May 2005 when the college was inaugurated by then Governor Shyamal Dutta.
It has been proved much that we marched long and higher because of the shared efforts of many as this gathering is testimony to it, he said. The principal expressed his joy at being graded A by NAAC in the first cycle of the accreditation and thanked all for the support and cooperation.
Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil in his greeting appreciated the keen interest of the Governor for the welfare of the youths, and his understanding of the people at grass root level. He also spoke about how the college has evolved since 2005 and congratulated the principal on successfully conducting the Yuva Utsav under his abled leadership.
He also felicitated the students from St. Xavier College for taking part in various national events – Peheutingyibe Herie who was awarded by the President for NSS 2020-21, Sharon Zeliang who represented Nagaland on the Youth Parliament 2023 and Shudzüni Chisüote who participated in the National Unity Day ‘Rastriya Ekta Diwas 2022’.
Also, in the first session of the programme, cultural dance was performed by Xavierite’s cultural troupe, Tamil melody by Roshita and, Vandemataram by Ikamgong and friends. Relevance of the Yuva Utsav was delivered by Roukuovikho Chale, Nodal officer NYKS and vote of thanks by Maheiyile, coordinator Xavierite Youth care. The Session concluded with the National Anthem sung by the students.
Vineet Kumar, IAS, DC Peren and Naieem Mustafa Mansury, IPS, SP Peren and their staff were present at the programme.
In the second session of the programme, results of various competitions like essay, photography, painting, declamation and cultural dance competition were declared, followed by prize distributions. All the competitions had the same topic which was ‘Remove Any Traces of Colonial Mindset’.
Read more: St. Xavier College, Jalukie accredited Grade A by NAAC
