Dy. Chief Minister, Home, Road & Bridges, Y. Patton graced the Golden Jubilee celebration of the New Riphyim Students’ Union ((NRSU) as the special guest held at New Riphyim village on 19th December 2020.

Addressing during the celebration, Patton said, jubilee in itself is a milestone achievement and we are reminded of the sacrifices and hardships rendered by the pioneers and under whose leadership and guidance the Union has attained 50th glorious years. This momentous event also reminds us that the growth and achievements made by the student’s community of New Riphyim thus far are the fruits and visions of the leaders of yesteryears, he stated.

Patton congratulated and acknowledged all the past and the present leaders of NRSU for their laudable services and contributions towards bringing positive transformation in the village peace with the passage of time. He added that in consonance with the vision and objectives of the pioneers the Union has immensely contributed towards the welfare and well being not only to the students’ community but to the society as a whole since its inception.

He also stated that with the world becoming a global village the present younger generation is passing through a very trying and disturbing time with information technology advancement which takes away substantial time for study thereby students’ have become victims of these modern technology and gadgets. He urged the students’ community in particular to make right use of these modern gadgets beneficially rather than to ruin one’s future.

Encouraging the students’ to achieve their goal in life Patton said the main focus for a student is to pursue academic career with dedication and hard work as there is no short cut to success and no substitute to hard work. Patton encouraged the students’ to start with a strong determination with distinct aims and objective to success in life to become a contributory member of the society. He appealed to the students’ community to work hard and be prepared to face any sort of competition as we live in stiff competitive society.

Stating that education is not merely for donning a degree and getting a job in government sector but it is for all round development of a person and added that being an educated person should not be merely for personal sustenance but should be an asset for the upliftment of the society. He pointed out that educated youth of Nagaland must venture out in other viable self reliance activities preferably in agro-based sectors and other business activities for survival and to achieve this one should pursue skilled oriented career rather than merely obtaining degrees. As an encouragement, Patton assured to award a cash amount of 10 lakhs and 5 Lakhs whoever clear or pass ISA/IPS and EAC/NPS respectively from New Riphyim Village.

On any kind of development activities or road infrastructure there should not be any Land owner issue or obstruction as it will only hamper development works he said and appealed to extend support and co-operation. Earlier the Dy. Chief Minister unveiled the Jubilee memorial monolith.

Guest of Honour, Mhonrao Odyuo (Rtd) PA to DC, the first President of NRSU while recollecting the Union foundation 50 years back expressed his happiness to be part of this auspicious occasion and said because of the hard work and dedication the Union has come thus far and called upon the younger generation to put more effort to take the union forward. He also called for preservation of our cultural heritage to keep out tradition alive.

Thungrhomo Odyuo, Sr. SDEO (Rtd) while speaking on the Theme “Resilience to Excellence”, challenged the students to pursue their academic career with perseverance and sincerity withstanding any kind of difficulties in order to achieve their goals in life. To achieve and fulfil aims in life one has to work hard and give the best and appealed to the students’ to emulate the good deeds the pioneers have left behind to bring laurel for the union.

President Lotha Students’ Union, Ashanthung Humtsoe while extending jubilee greetings congratulated the NRSU for successfully completing and celebrating its 50 years of existence.

Chairman New Riphyim Council, Nyimtsemo Odyuo who also spoke during the celebration thanked Y. Patton for being a part of the celebration and expressed gratitude for ushering the Range people into a new era of development and working tirelessly for the well being of the public in general. Adeno Odyuo President NRSU gave the presidential address.

(DPRO & IA, Wokha)