Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Kohima: Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav issued a clear directive to the state's youth on Tuesday. He wants them to abandon the hunt for government work. Speaking at the State Level Youth Festival 2026 inside Kohima's Indira Gandhi Stadium, Yadav argued that public sector roles simply cannot satisfy the needs of every resident. "Government employment alone cannot meet the aspirations of every young person. We must therefore be open to different pathways and opportunities," he said.
Yadav pointed to sectors like digital technology, agriculture, tourism, and handicrafts as better bets for the future. He insists that talent requires a mix of discipline and hard work to succeed. The state must build a self-reliant economy through individual enterprise.
The Youth Resources and Sports Department is already moving on this front. They launched a program to train athletes in trades like mobile repair, baking, floristry, crochet, and pickle-making. Eighty athletes have finished the training so far. Secretary Anthony Ngullie confirmed the initiative aims to provide financial security for when sporting careers end. Advisor S. Keoshu Yimkhiung added that independence requires a change in mindset. "Self-reliance begins with recognising what we can do and taking responsibility for what we can become," he noted.
The festival runs under the theme Youth, Skills and a Self-Reliant Nagaland. It hosts participants between 15 and 29 years old who previously cleared district-level rounds. Competitions include folk dance, song, and public speaking. Winners will advance to a national event in New Delhi this January 2027. Yadav urged attendees to use the event to build lasting connections and modernize traditional art forms.
Updated at 29th September 2026 at 9:51pm
Yadav tied the local effort to the national Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. He told the crowd that the values and skills they pick up now act as the primary engine for India's future growth. The Governor also leaned on the youth to keep Naga traditions alive, urging them to take folk songs and dances beyond state borders to reach wider audiences.
Officials framed the festival as more than a contest. It serves as a tool for interaction and personal growth. Secretary Anthony Ngullie noted the 2027 edition aligns with the national move to restructure youth festivals into the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue. This shift aims to plug the state's talent into a broader national mission.
Updated at 30th September 2026 at 9:47am
Yadav pushed the youth to engage in deeper personal development, urging them to read widely, think critically, and remain curious. He specifically advised participants to take victory with humility and treat setbacks as learning opportunities. The Governor also noted that the festival serves as a platform to strengthen unity across Nagaland's diverse tribal lines, reinforcing that the state's cultural heritage must be protected by the younger generation while presented to modern audiences in fresh ways.
Official proceedings included an invocation by Pastor Vikhoto Zao of the PCRC and a formal vote of thanks delivered by Youth Resources and Sports Officer Naroenla. Secretary Anthony Ngullie clarified that the upcoming 2027 national event is structured across six distinct competition tracks, requiring participants to demonstrate leadership across diverse categories.
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