The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) celebrated its 75th anniversary at Naga Solidarity Park in Kohima on Saturday under the Theme “Call to Oneness” with Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio as the special guest and Lowangcha Wanglat, former minister, Home & Finance of Arunachal Pradesh as the guest of honour.
Neiphiu Rio, speaking at the platinum jubilee celebration of the NSF, said that it was a joy to see the "Naga family from all Naga inhabited areas" coming together as one to celebrate the occasion.
Rio also acknowledged the effort of the pioneers of the NSF 75 years ago whose vision and aspirations are the guiding light of the federation today and congratulated the federation for completing 75 years in the service of the students' community as well as the Naga people as a whole.
Rio expressed the hope that the NSF would continue to remain strong and carry on its legacy of serving and unifying the Naga people even in the coming years. Rio said the prime need of the Naga society today is oneness, unity, and harmony.
In conclusion, Rio urged the student community to utilize the resources available to them to the fullest extent to reach much greater heights in the years to come.
Speaking on the occasion, Lowangcha Wanglat said that NSF has produced outstanding people from all walks of life and hoped that it continues to play its exceptional role for the State and the country. He said now is the time for NSF to walk the talk for geopolitical issues of the North East. "The objective of good leadership is to help people who are doing poorly in life," he said.
"There is a need to reflect on and correct past mistakes", and he believed that the relationship between the Nagas of Arunachal Pradesh and the Nagas of Nagaland can be one of the defining moments in Naga history. He further said that the unity among the Nagas everywhere is rooted in the values that they share.
Wanglat then said that Nagas are defined by countless dialects and customs and that they may have different histories and different dialects but they see a reflection of each other.
"There is a need to ensure unity in every Naga family. A society is strongest when people uphold the equality of people and that includes women and girl children and they must be treated equally. Naga women have always been on the frontline working and helping in the upliftment of the common people. Communities are wealthier when young women are educated, therefore there should be equality and respect for the dignity of women. For a society to progress, people have to do away with the traditional, dogmatic laws. There is a rise in poverty that needs to be resolved," Wanglat also said.
He also stated that NSF has an important part to play in empowering the youths since ultimately they will help in breaking away from the stereotypes and assumptions of the old traditions. He added there are many challenges ahead but despite the imperfections, the Naga people will come together in unity.
The occasion was graced by a host of representatives from different student organizations of the North East including Assam Students’ Union, Khasi Students’ Union, and North East Students’ Organization led by their advisor Dr. Samujjal Bhattacharjya.
K Temjen Jamir, Convenor, Planning Committee gave a brief speech on “75years of NSF – setting the Context”, while Kegwayhun Tep, president NSF gave the welcome address.
