DIMAPUR — The Ao Kaketshir Telogjem of Kohima Science College, Jotsoma, celebrated its golden jubilee (1974-2024) on November 23 at the college auditorium with the minister of Rural Development and SIRD, Metsubo Jamir, as the chief guest and the chief conservator of forest, Supongnukshi, as the jubilee speaker.
On the occasion, the chief guest released the golden jubilee souvenir. He also recounted the solidarity extended by the Ao community towards the college since its inception and encouraged the students to carry forward the legacy, stated an update from the union.
While acknowledging digital advancement and growing technological dependence, the speaker cautioned about its negative impact on the culture and mother tongue. He concluded his speech by emphasising on the need to strengthen unity and give back to the society.
The jubilee speaker centred his speech around the importance of persistence and perseverance in the face of adversaries and growing challenges in the life of a student.
Narrating from his own experience of failure and success as a student, he said: “We become stronger in the parts broken,” underpinning the power of perseverance. He encouraged the students to become contributors to the society and not a liability.
In conclusion, Supongnukshi highlighted the condition of high unemployment among the youth due to growing competition. He, therefore, urged the students not to remain confined but to explore beyond formal education to broaden their horizon for better prospect.
In his exhortation, Chubayanger, president of Kohima Aoer Telongjem, reminded about the deep and lasting legacy of the institution that has moulded the career trajectory of many Nagas in general and Aos in particular and producing exceptional pioneers in many fields.
He underscored the importance of preserving one’s dialect by stating the significance of mother tongue as core cultural identity.
Dr. Watijungshi Jamir, retired additional director of Higher Education and pioneering member of the union, recollected the experiences of the union during its formative years. He challenged the students to reflect on the contributions made by Ao community to the larger society and contemplate on how to carry forward the legacy.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Temjenwabang, principal of Kohima Science College, Jotsoma, stressed the vital role play by student unions in guiding and illuminating the pathway of students pursuing their education far away from home and family.
Commemorating the golden jubilee, it stated the jubilee resolution committee has resolved to construct a room for Kohima Science College, Jotsoma.
An invocation prayer was said by the pastor of Ao Fellowship, KSCJ, while the welcome address was delivered by the union president, Sungjemmeren Imchen, and jubilee greetings on behalf of the students was delivered by M Shamba Phom, general secretary of Kohima Science College Students’ Union.
Rev. Yashila Jamir, women associate pastor of KABA, offered the intercessory prayer for the jubilee celebration and concluded with a benediction said by Moa Imsong, associate pastor of City Church Kohima.
The jubilee celebration was attended by dignitaries from various tribal organisations of the college, alumni Ao students and lecturers of the college, members of Ao Fellowship at Kohima Science College, Jotsoma, teaching, non-teaching staff and students of the college.