With an objective to deliver holistic education to students, educational institutions and other organisations have been organising various programmes as part of academic and extra-curricular activities.
Governor La Ganesan graces PGC’s cultural day
Governor of Nagaland, La Ganesan graced the one-day “Cultural Day” of the Phek Government College (PGC) on April 20 at the college premises. The cultural day was observed under the theme, “Our Culture, Our Heritage”.
The Governor was accompanied by minister of Tourism and Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along. There were two sessions – inaugural session followed by competition of cultural events.
Speaking at the programme, the Governor advised the students to become graduates who think not for themselves but for their country.
He implored each one to think of the sacrifices of their leaders and reflected on Subhas Chandra Bose’s entry to the Naga Hills during the liberation march and pointed how this region remained as the only liberated territory in Naga Hills under the administration of ‘Azad Hind Dal.’ He also exhorted the college fraternity to be custodians of culture and encouraged more cultural events as it fosters a sense of belongingness and pride to one’s identity.
Speaking at the occasion, Minister Temjen Imna Along lauded PGC’s effort in catering to the educational needs of the young people of the community in Phek district. He said that the institution’s success has always been doted upon. He encouraged and challenged the fraternity to continue striving for excellence.
Delivering the welcome address, principal PGC, Dr. T. Tiakaba Jamir stated that it was a historic day for the institution having the Governor as its chief guest and beseeched his esteemed office for support even in the days to come. The principal said that this celebration of cultural diversity and showcase of the young and talented artistes was a reflection of the shared pride in the college history and traditions. He also extended his gratitude to all students, staffs and guests for making the event a reality.
The inaugural session was chaired by assistant prof department of Political Science, Dr. Levinu Sakhrie; invocation by assistant professor department of Education, Vevolu Khamo; folk song presentation by the BA 6th semester students; cultural dance by PGC cultural troupe and vote of thanks was delivered by assistant professor department of History, Dr. Nutazo Lohe.
The second session was compered by Kuveduvo Vero and Vebulu Thira, while the judges for the various cultural competitions were librarian PGC, Akhrienuo and assistant professors, Lidemo B. Kithan and Keneisenuo Mepfhüo.
Various cultural performances during the second session included Tati presentation and folk song. Competition between the four groups – BA 6th, BA 4th, BA 2nd and B.Sc were storytelling (folk tale), drama (folklore), choir, traditional fire making, snail eating competition, traditional games like Chechhi (top spinning), Chülu (beans striking), pole stick walking and pole climbing.
Discipleship Bible College holds convocation
Discipleship Bible College (DBC) held its 40th convocation programme on April 19 at the College Campus, with Dimapur Ao Baptist Arogo (DABA) pastor Rev. I. Wati, as the guest speaker.
Addressing the students, Rev. Wati dwelled on three questions, “Who are we serving?”, “Who are we following”” and “Who are we seeking on earth?”.
Before starting a ministry, the speaker said one should be clear of whom they are serving otherwise it would not be fruitful and not fulfil the purpose of God’s calling. He said, “The calling on each of our life is to serve our Lord Jesus Christ.” Rev. Wati also asserted that it was impossible to serve God without following Him and His teachings.
Congratulating the 75 graduating students, Rev. Wati said they have accomplished “great things” academically, and were trained “very well” to now venture out and become the “servants of God”.
He hoped that God would use them for the ministry of His kingdom.
Encouraging the graduates to begin a new journey with the Lord, he said they would face many difficult situations, receive many instructions that might confuse them.
However, Rev. Wati reminded them that they would be serving God, who would never leave their side.
“The ultimate honour is to be honoured by God, who has created us and loves us so much,” said Rev. Wati.
The convocation programme was chaired by DBC assistant professor, Narola Walling; invocation by assistant professor, Dr Alem Sangtam; welcome note by DBC principal, Rev S Wati; response from the graduating students by Sungjemongla Pongen; scripture passage was read by assistant professor Esther Jamir and assistant professor Imliakum Aier and benediction offered by assistant professor, Dr Perong.
(Staff Reporter)
Awareness cum motivational lecture at Benreu
An awareness cum motivational lecture for youth to join Indian Army/ Assam Rifles was organised by Assam Rifles battalion under the aegis of HQ IGAR (N) on April 19 at Benreu Government School, Peren.
PRO informed that the lecture covered various aspects like defence forces as a career choice for men and women, different types of entries, career progression in defence forces, advantages of a career in security forces over other career opportunities, eligibility conditions for various entries and upcoming recruitment schemes. Students were also briefed about various assistance, guidance and training facilities provided by Assam Rifles in enabling them to join security forces.
A total of 25 students attended the lecture.
SJU organises ‘Human Security Talk’, study tour & World Book Day
Political Science Department, St. Joseph University (SJU) Chumoukedima organised its first edition of the “Human Security Talk” on April 19 with the intention of emphasising and thereby enhancing the seven dimensions of human security in Nagaland.
While giving the introductory note, Dr. Shonreiphy Longvah emphasised that the idea of human security represents a paradigm shift because it aims to ensure the seven dimensions of security listed by UNDP. He shared that in the context of Nagaland, health security appears to be one of the most neglected facets of human security.
Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR), director, Dr. Sedevi Angami emphasised the significance of “mind-mapping” health, which involves prioritising numerous factors like sleep, stress, food, and exercise.
Speaking on the resilience capacity of the Nagas, he claimed that the Naga society lacks the capacity to deal with challenging circumstances as evidenced by the COVID-19 pandemic catastrophe. “The most important thing Naga lacks right now is resilience,” said Dr. Sedevi, and therefore, implored that Nagas must pay special attention on the issue of how to become a more resilient society.
During the interactive session, several issues such as the state of one’s mental health, the communitisation of health in societies with strong social capital, the level of resilience of Nagaland in the event of a stronger corona wave, etc. were thoroughly discussed.
In separate events, the Cultural Club of St. Joseph University (SJU) on April 17 undertook a study trip to Kisama based on the theme: “Rediscovering our culture”. A total of 39 students participated in the study tour under the supervision of associate professors, Dr. Elonbeni Ngullie and Narsen Ngully.
With an objective of promoting and spreading awareness on reading, copyright issues and publishing, SJU, Nagaland observed “World Book Day” on April 20 at the University Library, under the theme “Retelling Traditions Through Books”.
Speaking at the occasion as special invitee, associate editor, The Morung Express, Dr Moalemba Jamir, highlighted the importance of oral memory harvesting, especially in the context of Naga society, and underscored the importance of research.
During the programme, a book titled “Sustainable Environment, Manifestation and Augmentation” was jointly released by Dr. Moalemba Jamir and SJU Professor Fr. Sunny Joseph.
In the second session, around 25 students took part in the costume and art-work competitions.
ITCS graduation day
Lecture series on geosciences at PCC
One-day lecture series on geosciences was organised by department of Geology, Patkai Christian College on April 19 with Professor Dr. G T Thong from department of Geology Nagaland University and Rita Thurr and D Vincent Whuorie, senior geologists of the Geological Survey of India, Dimapur as resource persons.
Speaking on “Landslide Susceptibility and Risk Assessment of Noklak Town, Nagaland,” Dr GT Thong highlighted the issues of landslide faced in Noklak areas usually situated on top of the mountain.
Rita Thurr emphasized on heavy metal contamination studies, and heavy metal poisoning due to exposure to heavy metals like lead, mercury and arsenic.
D Vincent Whuorei talked about the mapping technique in sedimentary terrain and reading on contour map informing that the V shaped contour line indicates valleys, ravines and gullies and concentic circular or oval contour lines represent hills.
In the interaction session moderated by Dr Ajano Khalo, the speakers answered queries regarding landslide in Noklak; most Arsenic contaminated zone in Nagaland and what is its source; and what will be the solution to alarming landslide in Noklak Town due to Neotectonic activity etc.