Jantra Mantar is not what Gen Z & Gen Alpha should be about: Nagaland Minister

Morung Express NewsPatkai | October 21Nagaland Minister for Higher Education and Tourism Temjen Imna Along has urged young people to focus on knowledge, nation-building, progress and prosperity, cautioning against making political mockery or developments in Nepal and Bangladesh a model for Gen Z and Gen Alpha in Nagaland.Addressing the inaugural session of the All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) Collegiate Meet 2026 at Patkai Christian College (Autonomous) on October 21, Along said the younger generation should strive to build a knowledgeable, resilient and courageous community committed to nation-building.“The idea of Gen Z and Gen Alpha is not Jantar Mantar,” he said, adding that young people should instead direct their energy towards the progress and prosperity of society.Along also averred that it was not about making jokes about governments and leaders a trend among young people, and said developments in Nepal and Bangladesh should not become the model for Gen Z and Gen Alpha in Nagaland.Instead, he urged young Nagas to discuss the agendas and challenges facing their own people.Along also called on students to build relationships across tribal boundaries, including among Naga students studying in Delhi, and to learn to accommodate differences rather than allow pride and disagreements to divide them.“When all of you sit together here, irrespective of the tribes you belong to, remember that you are all Nagas,” he said, adding that young people could set an example for leaders and elders through courage, discipline and inclusiveness.He also urged students to use social media constructively by highlighting good work and drawing attention to issues requiring action, rather than merely criticising others or promoting hostility.