Veteran Naga leader and former Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr. S.C. Jamir, called upon young students from across the country to become responsible global citizens and to lead their lives with honesty and integrity. He shared this message during an interaction with delegates participating in the Ashtalakshmi Darshan Youth Exchange Programme at Nagaland University’s Medziphema Campus on February 7. According to a press note issued by Nagaland University, the interaction brought together 44 delegates from Ladakh and Kerala, including students, teachers-in-charge, and faculty members of the university. The programme is being organised under the Ashtalakshmi Darshan Youth Exchange initiative of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and the North Eastern Council (NEC), Shillong. Nagaland University is hosting the visiting teams from February 1 to 14, 2026. The youth exchange programme aims to strengthen the idea of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” by encouraging national integration, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding among young people from different parts of the country. Officials stated that the initiative is fully sponsored by DoNER and NEC and provides an opportunity for students to experience the social, cultural, and educational environment of the Northeast.
During the interaction session, students asked Dr. Jamir several questions about leadership, public life, and the values that young people should follow in today’s world. Responding to the questions, Dr. Jamir said that the most important qualities of leadership are honesty, a clear vision, a strong mission, and commitment to that mission. He told the students that success in life is not possible without discipline, dedication, and a sense of responsibility towards society. Dr. Jamir also encouraged the delegates to think beyond the boundaries of their own states and communities. He said that young people should develop a broad mindset and look at themselves as citizens of the world. According to him, a wider outlook helps individuals avoid narrow thinking and allows them to contribute more meaningfully to society and the country. Addressing the students, he reminded them that they represent their respective states and that their actions reflect the image of their communities. He said that the future of the country lies in the hands of young people and urged them to work hard for the progress and development of the nation. He also advised them to maintain dignity and discipline in public life, while expressing concern over incidents of unruly behaviour sometimes witnessed in legislative bodies, including Parliament.
Participants described the interaction as meaningful and inspiring. Sonam Gytso, the teacher-in-charge of the Ladakh delegation, appreciated Dr. Jamir’s emphasis on honesty, commitment, and the importance of thinking beyond regional boundaries. He said that the session helped students understand their role as representatives of their states and motivated them to work for national unity and development. Dr. Aju T.G., teacher-in-charge of the Kerala team, also shared similar views. He said that the delegates were inspired by Dr. Jamir’s long public life, experience, and continued active lifestyle even at an advanced age. He noted that the former chief minister’s message about competence, adaptability, integrity, discipline, and continuous learning would help students prepare for a competitive and rapidly changing world. University officials said the interaction was conducted in an informal and friendly atmosphere, allowing students to speak freely and ask questions. They added that the wisdom and experience shared by the 95-year-old statesman made the session memorable for the visiting delegates. Dr. Jamir, a Padma Bhushan awardee, has served as the Chief Minister of Nagaland four times and has also held the position of Governor in several states, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, and Odisha. His long public career and administrative experience made the session particularly valuable for the young participants, who were keen to learn from his life journey.
