The Governor of Nagaland,
PB Acharya on Thursday stated that the “most important mantra” for the people
to march forward is – “education, education and education.” Speaking at the
inaugural of Rajeshwari Karuna School at Tuli, Mokokchung, the governor said
that the ultimate purpose of education was not only self-empowerment but of the
family and society as well. “And if the school administration is not clear
about the ultimate goal of education, then there is something wrong.”
“Our duty, as
nationalist-minded, educated citizens, is to strengthen the people in the
lowest layer of our society,” he said, while regretting that in reality the
reverse is true instead.In truth, the governor said, the educated class has
repeatedly exploited their own people. He cited case of black money stashed
away in foreign banks. “Those people with higher education have instead become
thugs and I say this with pain in my heart.”
In the context of
Nagaland, Acharya referred to newspaper reports stating that the state’s
education department has 68% proxy teachers. “Who is responsible for it? It is
the educated ones, who do not want to teach in other districts or locations
away from home.”He also pointed out the disparity in wealth between the rich
and the poor. Against such a scenario, he said, the need to understand the
purpose of education as a vehicle towards collective empowerment is all the
more pertinent.
Acharya also cited the
example of the Tuli Paper mill, which he said was “a dead body sitting.”
Despite the staggering amount of money consumed by the Paper mill, he pointed
out, it is still in limbo today.“Aren’t we even ashamed of it? We have to be
accountable. We have question ourselves. Are we Hindus, Muslims or Christians
only in name?”
The governor underscored
the message that “we have to change our mindset” and do away with hypocrisy. He
stated that getting an academic degree is not the end but rather the
beginning.Likewise, just because a person can converse in English does not mean
that the person is educated or, in the words of the governor, “a great man.” It
is the content of his words and not the language itself that qualifies a person
as educated, he said.
The governor reasoned,
“Language is our first identity. Yes, we must learn English but it doesn’t mean
that we should kick out our mother tongue”.
Taking note of the newly
built residential school, the governor said, “Having a big building, an
English-medium residential school is ok, ok, ok. But you have to understand that
you are to produce true Aos, Nagas and Indians.”The institution, Rajeshwari
Karuna School, located at Wameken valley at 8th mile, Tuli is a project of
Community Educational Center Society (CECS) and funded by The Hans
Foundation.The school will function under the stewardship of CECS Director,
Subonenba Longkumer.
Source-http://www.easternmirrornagaland.com/
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