By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: As the state is going through a fast technological phase, it is however unfortunate to note the adverse effects it has upon the social values, ethics and lifestyles of the people of the state, KSU general secretary Auguster Jyrwa observed.
“Technology has set in so fast leaving no time for the people to adjust with the ever growing technology and has brought about immense change in the lifestyle, culture, social and moral values of the people especially the youth”, Jyrwa said.
Jyrwa was addressing a gathering during the 3rd Maitshaphrang Award 2012 organised by the KSU Umjaiur Unit for the students of the locality who excelled in their studies ranging from class V to IX at Mawlai Umjaiur Community Hall here on Friday.
“In this generation, moral and social values have deteriorated to a large extent and people especially the youth are so caught up in a technological web that they tend to forget their roots and values. The result out of it is an imitation of the western culture and lifestyle which pose a threat to the traditional culture and lifestyle of the indigenous community”, the KSU GS said.
Jyrwa also highlighted on the growth of school drop-outs in the state referring to poverty and prevailing and unforeseen situations in the employment sector as two main factors which led to an up-rise in the percentage of school drop-outs in the state.
“With unemployment on the rise, there is a need for the parents to realize the phase the state is going through and start considering a child’s talent and skills by opting for a job-oriented and skill-oriented course, something, the child is good at”, Jyrwa said.
Like every year, the 3rd Maitshaphrang Award was also given to the children who have excelled in their studies as a mark of appreciation and encouragement to the young minds to work hard and achieve the fruits of success in their future endeavors at the same time to do away with the problem of drop outs among the school students.
In 2010, the KSU Umjaiur unit gave away 7 awards to such students ranging from class V to IX, in 2011, the number increased to 10 and this year, over 12 students were awarded with this award along with 8 consolation prizes.
Stressing on the need to groom the young students for a better tomorrow, KHNAM President Pyndap Saiborne said “Our future depends on our young minds, so it is very important for us to guide them in a right path, a path which could bring prosperity and development to the community and the state as a whole.”
Meanwhile, prominent citizen of Mawlai Teibor Pathaw spoke on the need to groom the children mentally, physically and spiritually while informing that next year in the month of February, a training academy-North East Training Academy will be open at Mawlai Mawkynroh with a motive to provide training in the form of summer camps and skill development programmes to the youth of the locality.