Naga youth training for leadership

The young men of Nagaland are enthusiastically participating in a training programme designed to bring out the leadership qualities among them.

By Vibou Ganguly

Kohima, Sept. 29 : The young men of Nagaland are enthusiastically participating in a training programme designed to bring out the leadership qualities among them.

The training classes are being organised by the Students Mobilization Initiative Learning through Exposure (SMILE).

Akali, a regional coordinator of SMILE said that the main objective of the training programme is to encourage the young people of the north-eastern State of India to articulate their aspirations.

"Many of the youth's voices are unheard. We want the youth to come up and say this is what we want. Through this process, we want the youth to be the agents of change," said Akali,

Suraj Sapkota, Nagaland Nepali Baptist Church Association, Youth Chairman said that the event saw the participation of enthusiastic students and professionals.

"For the people of Nagaland, these initiatives in leadership training, positive thinking and free exchange of ideas is novel and widely welcomed. The state is stepping into a new era of political, social, economic and cultural development and such seminars ready the youth to take up the reins of the future," said Suraj.

Today's youth are keen to be trained as professionals whether in the field of sports or in any other arena.

Rebecca, a student said, "In my opinion, I would like to encourage good leadership. The leader should have patience. He should be open, he should know the situation and he shouldn't be self centered."

Nagaland society is in a state of flux. A state which has been the victim of violence for decades is now waking up to the joys of peace.

"Such training will broaden their mind. They can contribute to the society, bringing social harmony and peace ", said Akokla, a youth coordinator of SMILE.

The prevalence of normalcy has opened up window of opportunities for the youth. They want to be the arbiters of their own future, they want leaders who are modern in their thinking, in their ideology and they want leaders who think beyond region and tribal identity.

John, a state coordinator of SMILE said, "We want the youth to promote peace and harmony."

Rebecca, added, "We bring together different cultures and youth from all over the north east."

Nagaland wants to put the pangs of violence behind them. They want to play a new theme which is in tune with changing political and economic environment of the state and the country.

ANI