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A Sumi troupe performs a dance form during the 25th anniversary of St. Joseph’s College’s political science department, on Monday in Kohima.[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Kohima, March 18 (EMN):The department of political science at St. Joseph’s College in Kohima celebrated its 25th anniversary. The theme of the event was ‘transiting the legacy of excellence.’ The programme was conducted in the college’s indoor stadium, on March 18.
The joint director of Higher & Technical Education department Menuokholie Kire attended the occasion as the ‘special guest.’
In his address, Kire advised the students to give their best and to try to get the best of what the college has to offer.
‘Have dreams, be clear about what you want to become in life,’ he told the students. Offering further tips to achieving success in life, the government officer urged the students to manage time properly, work hard, and be sincere; and take things seriously.
One must enjoy college days meantime know one’s responsibilities as students, he said. Referring to the college’s recent designation as an institution with administrative autonomy, Kire said that ‘Autonomous is just the beginning.’
The officer asked the college authorities, stakeholders, and students to settle for nothing less. He suggested that the institution be taken to a higher level by introducing postgraduate courses.
Saying that the national education policy is stringent in providing quality education to students across the country, he advised the college’s authorities to opt for reassessment, and to develop skill based educational course.
‘Unless we act fast, a time will come when we will be asked to shut down the colleges,’ he remarked.
The head of political science of the college, Dihe Mao gave a background on the department. It was in 1994 that the department became full-fledged although the subject existed since the inception of the college.
The first batch of the department graduated in 1996 with a pass percentage of 97.05%, he said.
Currently, there are over 700 political science students and 11 regular lecturers in the college.
Speaking about the objectives of the college, Mao said it aims at imparting quality education, and serve good academic records.
The head of department highlighted also some of the co-curricular activities that are undertaken by the department. The activities include mentoring students and organising exercises such as by visiting Nagaland Legislative Assembly, courtrooms and the parliament etc.
The college also organises sports, seminars and lectures for students. Overall, he said, the students have ‘done very well.’ He said that the department plans on improving further in the areas of teaching-learning skills, among other areas. The celebration will help to move toward the goal of achieving academic excellence, he added.
The principal of the college also addressed the event. It is a ‘time to look back with pride and look forward with hope,’ said Rev. Fr. Dr. Sebastian Ousepparampil, principal, in his welcome address.
Considering the long 72 years of ‘torment and turbulence’ in the Naga political history, Ousepparampil encouraged the political science students to address the issue, saying it is their duty to do so. He challenged them to look for possibilities in formulating solutions and to address the issue accordingly.
The student president of the political science department, Holuto Sheqi, urged his friends to follow their dreams and not that of their parents. Saying that the sky is the limit, he encouraged them to excel in life with dedication and determination.