Principal Secretary, Environment, Forest & Climate Change; Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, and Parliamentary Affairs, Y Kikheto Sema, IAS, graced the 57th Coco Area Students’ Union programme as the Special Guest at Akuhaito on January 6.
Addressing the gathering, Kikheto said that the inhabitants of the Coco area, consisting of four villages, have remained closely connected through thick and thin over the years. Recalling the past, he noted that about 35 years ago the area was severely underdeveloped, with no road connectivity, and the people faced immense hardships in their daily lives.
Sema highlighted that despite the fertile land and good agricultural yield, transportation remained a major challenge, forcing farmers to carry head-loads of produce and depend on barter trade with neighbouring villages and towns. In spite of such adversities, students from the area pursued education with determination and brought honour to the region by rising to prominent positions.
The Coco Area, he said, has produced three MLAs, one Judge, one IAS officer and several Directors and Secretaries.
Stressing the importance of education, he urged the present generation of students to study with dedication. He encouraged them to excel not only in education but also in other fields, so as to earn fame and honour for the people of the area. He also emphasized the need to preserve cultural identity and traditions. He called upon the youth to inculcate the practice of learning and using their mother tongue.
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While acknowledging that the area has witnessed some development over the years, but stated that much more remains to be done. For all-round development, he stressed the need for unity, cooperation, and the avoidance of division within society. He appealed to the people to work collectively for shared prosperity, learning to forgive one another and live in love and harmony.
Sema encouraged the people to persevere through challenges. He stated that by living exemplary lives, people can spread harmony beyond their area and bridge social gaps. He also highlighted the Church’s equal responsibility in fostering peace and happiness in the land, keeping the larger public interest in view.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the values of development, transparency, and public welfare, and assured continued cooperation with all stakeholders. He further noted that the conference motto, “Synergy in Action,” should guide collective efforts towards progress.
The 57th conference of COCO Students Union is being held from January 6 to 8. Distinguished speakers at the programme included Kahuto Sema, GB and Yevito Chisho, Retired Director, SCERT.
