Nagaland: Winfest 2025 inaugurated at Kohima Science College, Jotsoma

The inaugural ceremony of Winfest 2025 at Kohima Science College, Jotsoma (KSCJ), was held on Monday at the college auditorium with the arrival of the special guest, Dr. Tseilhuotuo Rhütso, MLA, Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
Delivering his special address, Dr. Rhütso emphasised the importance of contributing to society through education and self-sufficiency. He encouraged students to become employable, skilful, and assets to their community, urging them to think beyond government jobs and aspire to be employers. Sharing personal experiences, he underscored the role of education in achieving freedom and success, while stressing that qualifications alone are insufficient without skill development. “Education is expensive, but ignorance is much more expensive,” he remarked, inspiring students to strive for excellence and international citizenship.
The programme began with an invocation led by Lihying, seeking blessings for the successful conduct of the festival and the nurturing of sportsmanship among participants. This was followed by a welcome address from Principal Dr. Temjenwapang, who extended greetings to the special guest, faculty members, students and representatives from Jotsoma Village.
In his remarks, the principal highlighted Dr. Rhütso’s achievements in the medical profession and expressed pride in acknowledging him as an esteemed alumnus of KSCJ. He also conveyed gratitude for Dr. Rhütso’s generous sponsorship of the futsal event, which enabled the successful organisation of various activities during Winfest.
A felicitation ceremony honoured Dr. Rhütso with a traditional shawl, bouquet and framed certificate. Certificates of appreciation were also presented to sponsors of Winfest, with acknowledgements extended to supporting partners and collaborators, including TAFMA as Event Partner, Imprint as Printing Partner, and the Jotsoma Village Council for their cooperation.
The ceremony also featured oath-taking by house captains, adherence to fair play, and the college anthem led by the choir. The vote of thanks was delivered by the general secretary, who encouraged participants and extended best wishes to the players. The event concluded with the lighting of the ceremonial torch, carried by Vipito Achumi and Dekholu, winners of the 63rd Winfest Marathon Race, and lit by the special guest, marking the official commencement of Winfest 2025.
The inaugural ceremony was conducted with dignity and enthusiasm, setting a spirited tone for the festival’s events ahead.