While laying the foundation stone of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) at Chumukedima on Saturday, Mr Sibal said bamboo as a resource is exceptionally valuable and Nagaland can be rich through this resource.
He pointed out that Nagaland is rich in water resources but it needs to look for alternate ways to harness this resource. On the proposal of Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for setting up of an Indian Institution of Management and a Law university, Mr Sibal felt that an IIM in Nagaland would be difficult, especially on the faculty front. 'Along with an IIM, you need a huge eco-system to support the faculty and the student community. Instead, we must move in a direction which gives immediate benefits to young Nagas,' he said.
Nagaland should send a team to Delhi in context of the people and resources and deliberate on the vision to take Nagaland forward, how the resources can be utilized and what kind of educational institution is needed for the State.
'What we need to do with you is to develop a vision through which the eco-system can be strengthened and the youth of the state can be empowered,' he said. The Union minister also suggested setting up two constituent colleges of the Nagaland University (NU) in other parts of the State.
He assured that this commission will be granted during the 12th plan.
On the main objective of setting up the National Institute of Technology, he said the purpose of NIT in any state is to enhance the quality of life of the people living in the area.
'The purpose of NIT is unlike an institution of pure science where we need to conquer frontiers of knowledge. We are here to use science and apply it, contextualize it in dealing with the problems of the area.' He said problems in the community are recognized at the NIT and solutions sought through applied science and technology.
Stating that this would empower the youth and give them ability to do stand-alone projects on their own and get into business activity or entrepreneurship or some other way help the community, he said, adding these are the kinds of education institutions that we need to build.
With the state of Nagaland in difficult times since 1963, Mr Sibal said the time has come for Nagaland to stand up and be recognized as a vibrant progressive state, which will march forward on the strength on the vibrancy of its youth.