Alder College Kohima celebrated its 25th anniversary with founder principal Emeritus Patkai Christian College, Nagaland, chief administrator, Patkai Christian Academy Manipur, Rev.Tuisem A. Shishak Ph.D. as the chief guest at the college’s auditorium on Tuesday.
Chief guest in his speech congratulated the management and the college community for completing 25 years of existence. He reminded to the gathering on the occasion quoted from the Bible psalmist “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain, unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stand guard in vain”.
Rev. Shishak said faith and learning must coexist and be integrated in every Christian educational institution as the foundation for every Christian learning. Stressing on the importance of liberal education, he said a liberally-educated man was balanced, rational, righteous, civil, ethically matured, literary able student and lover of virtue.
While admitting that “we” have fallen short of nurturing an intellectual culture in colleges, including Patkai Christian College, Rev Shishak said that there was no competitive spirit either in the students or faculty in research and scholarship.
He said today the need for the quick acquisition of marketable skills, and vocational specialization at all levels of school and college career have created confusion concerning the primary focus of college education. He reminded the gathering the cultivation of mind and intellect as part and parcel of liberal education was the primary business of higher education. He said education had to be all about learning the truth, and truth meant facts and their relationships. Challenging the Christian colleges, he said it was not merely an instrument responsive to popular pressures, but must be willing to stand up as a judge of society’s tastes and actions. He said courage, with temperance was always needed to hold the college to its role and mission. He challenged the Alder College community to remain ever vigilant in maintaining discipline in spiritual, academic, and social endeavors.
Director department of higher education, Kuholi Chishi in her brief address said everybody had a place to work provided they have quality.
Programme was chaired by Dr. Akala Longkumer asst. professor, welcome address by Dr. Rukhono Iralu principal, invocation prayer by Rev. Dr. Rachiilie Vihienuo pastor Union Baptist Church while jubilee choir presented special song. College history was shared by
Zhapuvi Liegise, speech on behalf of former principals by Dr. P.S. Lorin principal Tetso college, Keyiyachii Liegise college chairman also addressed the gathering, reminiscence by president Alder College Alumni Association James Yalie and a tribute to Alder college read by Senti Kath. Drama on happy prince was presented by students, jubilee cake cutting and prayer done by Nyielo Liegise while vote of thanks was proposed by Vilasielie Mepfhiio vice principal.
Earlier, the chief guest unveiled the jubilee monolith and also released the college souvenir. Programme was attended by principals of various colleges of Kohima, representatives from Nagaland university, alumni members, well wishers, students and others.