The Principal, Faculty and Staff of Pachhunga University College

My dear students

I am very happy to be with you today, at the Felicitation Function & Freshers’ Social of Pachhunga University College (PUC).

At the very outset, I once again congratulate PUC for securing 34th Rank in the NIRF 2023 Ranking.

You are extremely fortunate to be a part of this College, which we can proudly claim is one of the best colleges in North East India.

I am delighted to be in the midst of the youth, as you are the future of the State and our Nation.

The country looks to you to lead us into a brighter and even more prosperous New India.

As the Governor of Mizoram, I have travelled to all the districts of the State.

I have seen that we are blessed with abundant natural resources, excellent climate, beautiful scenery, and clean atmosphere.

We have a very vibrant community life, with the presence of strong NGOs. 

Our State has immense potential for development in various sectors, including tourism, human resources, horticulture, trade, handloom and handicrafts, power generation, and many more.

I believe that the educated youth of today’s digital world are well equipped to exploit these advantages and bring more prosperity to our State.

The much-awaited railway line between Bairabi and Sairang, once completed, will lead to numerous opportunities for economic activity.

Likewise, the ambitious Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport Project will be a game-changer not only for Mizoram, but for the whole North Eastern region.

I encourage the bright young minds to make the best use of these opportunities.

One example where I feel we can do much more is power generation. I have been told that Mizoram has a huge hydropower potential.

While our peak power demand is only 155 MW, we have not been able to achieve sufficiency in power generation.

Solar power generation is another opportunity. Every individual can participate in the Rooftop Solar Programme of the Central Government, which provides for subsidy.

I challenge the youth of today’s generation to realize our potential in sectors such as these.

I have noticed that the youth of Mizoram have the advantage of speaking English.

You should make use of this useful knowledge to look for gainful employment opportunities outside the State.

I am happy to learn that more and more young people from Mizoram are looking for jobs in the other parts of the country, and even beyond.

If we get out of our comfort zone, we will realize that there are endless opportunities in the outside world.

The Union Government under Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had come up the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The NEP 2020 focuses on entrepreneuship and skill development.

I advise you to learn skills which will help you gain employment.

From my interactions with people across various sections of the society, I have noticed that the people of Mizoram are generally ignorant of the various Central Government schemes available.

While it is no secret that our State is financially-challenged, we should utilize these Central Government schemes to the fullest.

For instance, there is a life insurance scheme called Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Beema Yojana (PMJJBY).

It provides life cover of Rs. 2 lakhs by paying annual premium of only Rs. 436. 

Likewise, the accident insurance scheme of Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) provides cover of Rs. 2 lakhs for annual premium of only Rs. 20.

There are many such schemes provided by the Central Government, which can be easily availed directly from the banks.

It is unfortunate that the common people, who should benefit most from these schemes, are not aware of them.

Therefore, I urge all of you, my young learned friends, to create mass awareness regarding these useful schemes.

Entrepreneurship is another area where there is massive scope for progress.

Government of India has come up with various programmes, such as Start up India, Stand up India, Make in India, etc.

MUDRA loans are available upto Rs. 10 lakhs without the need of any collateral security, according to the quantum of capital required.

Therefore, conditions are conducive for hard-working and sincere entrepreneurs to succeed in our country.

I am happy to see so many young faces today. You have your whole life to live ahead of you.

Make the best use of your college life to become successful individuals and model citizens.

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam said, “You have to dream before your dreams can come true”. Keep dreaming while you are young, and utilize your talents to achieve those dreams.

I thank the Principal and his colleagues for inviting me to this wonderful program.

I congratulate all the meritorious students who have been felicitated today, and I encourage you to keep up the good work.

I convey my best wishes to all the freshers and all the students, and I urge you to give your best for the glory of our State and our Nation.

Thank you.

Jai Hind.