The Alumni Association of School of Agricultural Sciences (AA-SAS), Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus, celebrated its 25th anniversary on Monday at the university’s Multipurpose Hall, with advisor for Agriculture Mhathung Yanthan as special guest, minister for Rural Development and SIRD Metsubo Jamir as chief host, and advisor for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources A. Pangjung Jamir as honoured guest.
The celebration began with the unveiling of the jubilee monolith by advisor Yanthan, followed by the hoisting of the Alumni flag by advisor Pangjung Jamir.
In his address, Metsubo Jamir, an alumnus of the first batch, reflected on his formative years at the institution, describing it as a transformative experience. He lauded the contributions of alumni in various fields and commended the dedication of faculty and staff. However, he expressed concern over the lack of visible entrepreneurs among graduates, urging alumni and students to pursue agricultural entrepreneurship and apply their learning to make land productive.
Delivering the inaugural address, Yanthan termed the establishment of the agricultural institution a landmark achievement, especially when the region had only one such university in Jorhat, Assam. He described the School of Agricultural Sciences as a cradle of knowledge, innovation, and leadership, having produced educators, researchers, extension officers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers who have shaped the region’s development.
Highlighting the institution’s legacy, Yanthan noted that four legislators in the current 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly are alumni, with past graduates having served as ministers and even speaker. He urged the alumni association to evolve beyond nostalgia and become active partners in mentoring, research, outreach, and policy collaboration to address agricultural challenges and transform Nagaland’s farming landscape.
He also emphasized the need to address pressing issues such as climate change, aging farmer population, poor post-harvest infrastructure, and unorganized markets, while tapping into opportunities in organic farming, agri-tech, and value addition. Reiterating the state government’s commitment to a sustainable, market-driven, and farmer-centric approach, Yanthan called on alumni to renew their commitment to uplift farmers, empower youth, and restore dignity to the agricultural profession.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Dr. Moakala Changkiri, scientist, AICRP on Vegetable Crops, with invocation by former Dean Prof. L. Daiho and welcome address by Organizing Committee chairman and first AA-SASRD president K. Neibou Sekhose. Prof. Akali Sema, secretary of the Organizing Committee and first general secretary of AA-SAS, presented a retrospective on the association’s journey.
Short speeches were delivered by PVC Prof. Dipak Sinha and senior alumni members. Highlights included a welcome song led by Dr. Imliakum Ao and Dr. Chubatemsy Ozukum, a special number by EU Choir, and felicitation of distinguished alumni.
Academic Excellence Awards were presented by AA-SAS president Prof. L. Tongpang Longkumer. Recipients included:
- Nivedita Kumari (9.08 OGPA) – Alumni Award for Academic Excellence (Rs. 20,000) sponsored by AA-SASRD
- Neisinuo Shine Kíso (8.36 OGPA) – Peri Om Pun Excellence Award (Rs. 10,000) sponsored by Dr. Umed Pun (7th Batch)
- Wapangnaro S Imsong (8.56 OGPA) – R2 Seeds Excellence Award (Rs. 10,000) sponsored by C. Narayana Rao (8th Batch)
- Aysha Parween (8.58 OGPA) – Lt. Cherish Ch. Marak Excellence Award (Rs. 10,000) sponsored by Thera Ch Marak (8th Batch)
Vote of thanks was proposed by Organizing Committee member and first AA-SASRD advisor Hoto Yeptho. The event also featured a technical session chaired by Dean Prof. Pauline Alila, focusing on agricultural innovations and sustainability, followed by a general body meeting presided over by Prof. L. Tongpang Longkumer, and a cultural programme.