Wokha: Students educated on POCSO Act, cyber safety

Morung Express NewsWokha | October 16The Don Bosco Alumni Association (DBAA), Wokha Unit, in collaboration with the Wokha Bar Association, organised a legal awareness and legal career guidance program at DB Youth Centre, Wokha, on October 16. The programme was conducted to create awareness about legal rights and provide career guidance to students.Advocate Renbemo Tungoe, Assistant Public Prosecutor in his keynote address highlighted the importance of legal awareness and encouraged students to understand the role of law in everyday life.He said that the legal profession extends beyond courtroom arguments, emphasising that law plays an important role in maintaining order in society, protecting individual rights and resolving disputes.He encouraged students to choose their careers wisely, stressing the importance of understanding their interests, abilities and aspirations before making professional decisions. He also highlighted the relevance of the legal profession across different sectors, including business and industry, where legal professionals help address disputes and ensure compliance with laws and regulations.Tungoe further encouraged students to develop a better understanding of legal provisions and their practical application, noting that legal knowledge empowers individuals to understand their rights and responsibilities.He urged the students to make informed career choices and make the most of the legal awareness and career guidance programme.Wobenthung J Patton, President, DBAA, led the orientation session, highlighting the values and legacy of the institution’s founder, Don Bosco.He encouraged students to uphold the values of the institution and make the most of the opportunities provided during their time at the school. He also spoke about the importance of maintaining a lasting connection with the institution after graduation through the alumni association.Patton informed the students about the alumni association’s membership structure, including annual and life membership, and emphasised the importance of staying connected with the association at different levels.He encouraged the students to remain associated with the institution and contribute towards strengthening the alumni network.Advocate Zujanbeni L Tsanglao, during the first session, highlighted the importance of legal awareness among students, focusing on education rights, cyber safety, child protection and substance abuse.Addressing Class 10 students, she explained that the Right to Education Act, 2009, guarantees free and compulsory education for children aged six to 14 years under Article 21A of the Constitution of India. She emphasised that every child deserves equal access to education, irrespective of gender or financial circumstances.She also encouraged students to speak up against child labour and inform teachers or appropriate authorities if they encountered children being deprived of education.On digital safety, Tsanglao cautioned students against the misuse of smartphones and social media, highlighting the legal consequences of cybercrimes, including identity theft, impersonation, unauthorised access and the circulation of defamatory or harmful content. She stressed that minors are also subject to the law and urged students to exercise responsibility while using digital platforms.Speaking on child protection, she explained provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, and warned students about the legal implications of sharing intimate images, online blackmail and violations of personal boundaries. She urged them to seek help if they faced harassment or exploitation.She further highlighted the dangers of substance abuse and the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, cautioning students against the possession, sale, purchase and transportation of prohibited substances.Concluding the session, Tsanglao encouraged students to understand their rights and responsibilities, make informed decisions and use legal awareness as a means of protecting themselves and others.In the second session, Advocate Renbemo Tungoe, Assistant Public Prosecutor, spoke on legal career guidance, highlighting the wide range of opportunities available in the legal profession. He encouraged students to consider law as a career option and emphasised the importance of confidence, analytical thinking and the ability to examine different situations before arriving at a decision.Explaining the academic pathways to entering the profession, Tungoe stated that students could pursue a five-year integrated law course after completing Class 12 or opt for a three-year Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree after graduation. He noted that the legal profession offers opportunities beyond courtroom practice, with law graduates able to establish independent practices, work in corporate settings and provide legal assistance to individuals, organisations and businesses.He also highlighted opportunities in specialised fields, including cyber law, intellectual property law and the drafting of legal documents such as partnership and contract agreements. He encouraged students to explore different areas of law based on their interests and recognise the growing relevance of legal expertise in various sectors.Tungoe further stressed that pursuing a career in law requires dedication, patience and a willingness to continuously learn. He encouraged aspiring legal professionals to develop their analytical abilities and apply their knowledge of legal provisions to address issues and resolve disputes. Emphasising that success in the profession comes through sustained effort and commitment, he urged students to identify their interests, begin their journey with confidence and make the most of the opportunities available in the legal field.Rev Fr Stephen Chazhisseril SDB, Unit Delegate of the Don Bosco Alumni Association (DBAA), Wokha Unit, and Principal of Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Wokha, in his welcome address, expressed gratitude to the Wokha Bar Association for collaborating in organising the programme.He appreciated the efforts of the organisers in bringing resource persons and students together for the session, stating that organising such a programme required considerable time, effort and commitment. He said the initiative provided an opportunity for students to learn, reflect and gain valuable insights into legal awareness and career opportunities.Welcoming the resource persons, teachers and students, he encouraged the participants to make the most of the sessions and emphasised that the lessons gained would be useful not only in their academic pursuits but also in their lives.He also expressed appreciation to everyone who contributed to making the programme possible and wished the participants a meaningful and fruitful learning experience.Following the programme, the Don Bosco Alumni Association also visited the Children’s Home as part of their activities.