St Paul School, Phesama celebrated golden jubilee on Friday with Bishop of Kohima Diocese, Rev Dr. James Thoppil as the chief guest. Speaking at the inauguration and blessing of the jubilee memorial stone, Rev Dr. Thoppil emphasized the vital role of education as a key pathway to promoting the social, cultural, and economic progress of individuals and the nation.
He stressed on the importance of education in nurturing diversity, both in terms of culture and religion, while upholding the values of individual and collective freedoms and fostering a deep respect for and appreciation of differences.
He conveyed his heartfelt thanks to the pioneers, with a special mention of the Jesuit Society members and their partners, notably the FCC Sisters who worked tirelessly and selflessly, persevering even in the face of adversity and challenges and their unwavering commitment to the growth of the institutions.
He said the Church’s intense and extensive apostolate of education continues Jesus’ mission of liberation and of imparting fullness of life.
He also added that the Catholic educational institutions primarily focused on providing service rather than pursuing profits as their primary goal, unlike profit-driven corporations and prioritized offering assistance to those who are underprivileged and marginalized.
Rev Thoppil believed that education should act as a gateway to the social, cultural, and economic advancement of individuals and the nation and the educational process should encourage diversity in various forms, while also championing the rights of both individuals and the collective society.
Further, he stressed on the idea that education must guide individuals to develop qualities such as character, competence, a strong moral compass, empathy, and a sense of commitment.
The bishop firmly stated that the students of St. Paul School, in the past, present, and future, should advocates the values they have imbibed during their time within the institution.
The guest of honour, Regional Superior, North East Jesuit Region and chairman, Nagaland Jesuit Educational Society, Rev Fr Dr. Melvil Pereira SJ in his address acknowledged that the school’s vision would not have been realized without the pioneering efforts of Late Fr. Stany Coelho in 1973, in response to an invitation from the then Education Minister of Nagaland, late JB Jasokie, the Jesuits arrived in Jakhama and established their first institution, Loyola School. He reminded that recognizing the profound impact of education on the village’s future, Chavi Khale, then the Catholic leader of Phesama, approached Fr. Coelho and other leaders from Phesama with a request to start a Catholic school in Phesama.
He expressed gratitude to the landowners and donors, urging the audience to envision the remarkable transformation of a rugged hill over the years, now standing as a “beautiful structure nestled at the foothills of the Japfü range.”
He also mentioned that St. Paul School began as a modest bamboo structure but later moved to a small building, a gift from Misereor, a German Catholic Agency and also commended the school’s alumni for attaining prominent positions in life and contributing to Naga society, while expressing hope that these values would be disseminated and put into practice.
Deputy Inspector General of Police, Videlalie Zashümo remarked that even though numerous private institutions have been rapidly emerging, especially in urban areas, Catholic institutions administered by Jesuits in rural regions continue to address the educational needs of students by offering them the opportunity to access quality education at affordable fees. Therefore, he encouraged the students to fully utilize the educational resources provided to them at the school.
The alumni’s speech was delivered by Er. Dzüvichüto Khale, and the GB of Phesama also addressed the gathering.
Earlier, students, alumni, and members of church youth groups delivered their respective presentations during the event.