Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday said the Northeast region has immense potential in terms of natural and mineral resources. Gracing the 2nd convocation of NIT Nagaland at Chumukedima here, Naidu said the ASEAN countries should not miss the opportunity of the Look East Policy offers. He also said the Centre and the state governments of the region must work hand in hand to make the policy work.
The Act East Policy will lead to long-term progress of the region, he asserted.
Naidu added corridors of connectivity should be connected with corridors of education.
He advised the student community to enhance their knowledge and skills for societal growth. Education requires high standard of research for which total devotion and dedication is needed, he stated.
The Vice President conferred degrees to two PhD students, 28 M.Tech and 37 B.Tech students of 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 batch during the programe.
Stating that education does not end with a degree as learning is a life-long process, he said: “Degree alone does not count, what counts is what you have learnt.” He added education is for knowledge and enlightment.
He also asked the students to aim high and work hard to realize dreams. “Anything can be achieved through hard work,” he stated.
Describing the holding of 2nd convocation of NIT Nagaland as a milestone in technological field in Nagaland, Naidu, however, said the institute must upgrade its courses and hoped that it would one day be a leading institution of the country and play a significant role in the growth of the society.
Stating that graduation and receiving degree is a wonderful occasion in the life of a student, he, at the same time, asked the students to appreciate the contributions and support of their parents and teachers in their achievements.
He further asked the student community to practice and promote mother tongue. “Talk in mother tongue at home and feel proud of own languages,” he said while also asking the students to learn other languages.
In his address, Nagaland governor PB Acharya said NIT Nagaland is the first centrally funded institute in the state. He said the institute has made wonderful progress since its inception and is offering degrees in eight branbhes.
“Degree is not the end of your career. It is the beginning of empowerment of society and nation,” Acharya added.
He also focused on the enormous natural resources of Northeast region and said these should be explored.
Director of NIT Nagaland Dr S Venugopal, in his annual report, said the institute which began its academic session in 2012 has placement record of 70%. Suparno Moitra, chairman, Board of Governors, NIT Nagaland, who chaired the programme, declared opening and dissolution of the convocation.
