Our Correspondent
Kohima, August 9 (EMN): Kohima College, one of the premier educational institution of the state, celebrated its 50th anniversary today at its campus in Billy Graham road, Kruoliezou, Kohima.
The 50 years celebration was graced by the Governor of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh P.B. Acharya as the chief guest, while the programme was also attended by a host of dignitaries including legislators, bureaucrats, alumni, former principals, past and present members of the faculty, students, public leaders and well wishers among others.
Entering its fiftieth glorious year, the college authority and those who were part of the celebration also remembered the valiant efforts of the founding members - Dr Neilhouzhü Kire, Dr Satuo Sekhose, Vibeilie Solo and Vilalhoulie Belho; all from Kohima village.
Kohima College, since its establishment in 1967, has been the seat of learning for the youth from far and near, while it has risen to become the premier government arts college in the state capital today.
The far-sightedness of the four founding fathers, who shared a common concern to introduce an academic institution offering higher studies in the field of humanities in Kohima, is worth acknowledging and is laudable, as their dreams have turned into reality.
In her 50 years, Kohima College has produced generations of educated Nagas, who during their times, have led the Nagas towards greater heights. Back then, it was the only college that offered higher studies in humanities in Kohima; likewise, many promising Naga students who were unable to pursue their higher education outside Nagaland could be accommodated by the college over the years.
The college has seen considerable expansion throughout the past 50 years. Apart from the two streams - Arts & Commerce - several certificate programmes and co-curricular programmes have also been introduced, and the college has recently become a digital campus.
Addressing the august gathering during the celebration, Governor Acharya saluted the four founding fathers of the college and all the combined efforts rendered by them in the making of the college.
Recalling his visit to Kohima College as a student activist in 1967, the governor reminisced how the college has grown to become one of the leading colleges in the state today.
“For any society and nation to come up, the foundation depends a lot on education,” Acharya said while he stressed on the importance of quality education as the most important tool to bring about a change in the society.
“Universities should not only be centres of academic knowledge and learning. Rather, the knowledge accumulated should be put into action,” he stated.
Expressing his hope on the Naga youth, Acharya urged them to wake up and respond positively to the changing times of the society.
“God has blessed Nagaland with so much wealth, therefore, the universities and youth should address these issues to develop the State,” he added.
Parliamentary Secretary for Higher Education, Deo Nukhu also lauded all the people who have rendered their selfless service in making the college what it is today. In support of the visionary pioneers, he affirmed that the college will continue to aim for quality education and academic excellence.
Delivering the introductory address, Dr Watijungshi Jamir, principal of Kohima College, saluted the noble vision of the four founding members who made sacrifices to make this college what it is today.
“We bow to this great personalities and pay our homage to those who are not amongst us today, but who will continue to rule the hearts and minds of all whose destiny crosses with this institute. This golden jubilee is dedicated to these souls,” he stated.
The principal also lauded former chief minister Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu, for having being associated with the college since 1970.
“Dr Shürhozelie is a torchbearer who has carried and guided the institute thus far,” Dr. Jamir said while he also lauded the efforts of all the staff members, past and present, for their invaluable contribution.
“On this 50th anniversary of Kohima College, let us reaffirm our commitments to strengthen the college as a necessary beacon of light that will guide our state and country towards a brighter future,” Dr. Jamir said adding “Let it be our collective dream and a shared responsibility.”
Sharing on the “The Journey” of the college, Kevisiezolie Suohu, chairman, advisory committee of Kohima College, recalled how the institute, from its nascent stage, grew up to become a seat of learning for students from far and near.
While thanking the four philanthropists for establishing the college, Suohu also appreciated the former principals and faculty and the present faculty who immensely contributed for the uplift of the college.
“Kohima College, like any other educational institutes, had its ups and downs. I cherish the vivid memories of our inability to pay the salary of the teachers during the infant stage, vis-à-vis requirements of the teachers. But that did not deter us in any manner, yet mustered our endeavour to perform our journey to achieve the aspiration with the motto – Altiora Quaerite (Search for Excellence),” Suohu reminisced.
The speech of behalf of the alumni association was delivered by Neingulo Krome, secretary general of Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Right, while Kuholi Chishi, director of Higher Education also addressed the gathering.
On the day, Governor PB Acharya also released the souvenir commemorating the 50th anniversary of the college.
Currently, the college has a faculty strength of 39 assistant professors and 15 associate professors. There are also 15 permanent and 25 temporary/contingency ministerial staff under the college payroll. The college can rightly boast of being one of the biggest colleges in Nagaland, catering to more than 2000 students.
