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CBCNEI officials along with Deo Nukhu, Parliamentary Secretary, at the launching of North East Christian University in Medziphema on March 10.[/caption]
Dimapur, March 12 (EMN): In another major boost to education sector in the State, a permanent campus of North East Christian University (NECU) was formally dedicated by KC Momin, president of Council of Baptist Churches in North East India (CBCNEI) in the presence of Deo Nukhu, Parliamentary Secretary of Higher and Technical Education, on March 10. The campus of the upcoming University is about 3.5 kms from the main highway of Medziphema town.
Rev. Dr. AK Lama, PRO Chancellor of NECU while sharing NECU vision, said history is our witness that the primarily institutions in the North East was pioneered by the Baptist Missionary from British Missionary Society by James Roy, who first opened the mission school in Guwahati in the year 1829. Later in 1836, two American missionaries Rev. Nathan Brown and Rev. Olive Carter followed the works in several parts of the North East in the second half of the 19th century.
Ever since, the Baptist have contributed immensely to the Northeast society in establishing educational institutions upto under graduate level. However, the obvious and the most anticipated growth of the Baptist educational institutions into a higher educational institution was somehow delayed. He further reminded the gathering that when he joined CBCNEI as the general secretary in 2008 felt the need of churches coming together and turn the spiritual fellowship into a collaborative educational adventure.
He went on to add that despite having so many academically qualified persons and resources in the NE region, the region educational institution was dependent on the outside institutions for accreditations, academic guidance and for various resources.
In order to begin the collaborative effort of the educational institution, he invited the principals of 8 seminaries under CBCNEI to come and spend time together in order to share the challenges and explore the possibilities of any collaboration. He also felt that the time was right for all the churches to initiate, support educational institution to unite under the umbrella of one Baptist University.
It was felt that the family of 7000 Baptist churches under the CBCNEI is capable to give birth to such an institution which will enable establish regional institution by providing relevant curriculum. The proposal was warmly received by the expertise committee of CBCNEI and recommended at the 60th annual general convention at William Nagar on April 2010 where it was unanimously approved.
Consequently, historic consultations of key leaders of CBCNEI as well as other expertise were invited from all 6 conventions at Shalom Bible Seminary, Zubza, on August 26 and 27, 2010. During the consultation, it was unanimously agreed to name this University as NECU.
Alemtemshi, retired chief secretary and also member of Governor Council, NECU, said the land was purchased @of Rs 50,000 per acre for which he thanked the Medziphema village council for their generosity. While presenting a perspective of the NECU Campus Development, Alemtemshi also referred to the comments made by the chairman of Medziphema village who said if NECU develops, Medziphema will also develop.
Alemtemshi, in his design approach of NECU, mentioned that there is not one large designed campus in the Northeast region (educational or otherwise) which stands out as a truly innovative or one of a kind project.
To ensure NECU campus embody the best of design uniquely appropriate to its vision and surroundings, he was of the opinion that the broad objectives of the campus design would be to adopt critical environmental design criteria as an essential parameter, to ensure environment - sensitive design of all built spaces, to encourage the use of traditional materials and skills in the development process and also to create an atmosphere of harmony in a campus that is uniquely North - Eastern.
Alemtemshi, who is also a Climate Change leader suggested that since NECU campus is set in pristine surroundings, some environmental principles will guide the overall character of the NECU campus by adopting planning methods sensitive to the nature of the site, preserving the natural assets of the campus and also adopting an ecological plan to protect as well as rejuvenate natural environment.
Emphasising on natural resources, he said stress will be laid on exploiting solar and wind energy, developing water conservation, evolving a landscape design based on indigenous flora and natural site conditions and cultivating new resources without threatening the natural ecology of the site.
Deo Nukhu thanked the former chief secretary Alemtemshi for co-ordinating for the establishment of the NECU. He also thanked Rev. Taku Longkumer for donating $10,000 which is about six lakhs and 50 thousand in Indian currency.
The programme was chaired by Rev. Dr. Anjo Keikung, Chancellor and Chief Executive Director of NECU. Rev. Dr. Atsi Dolie, Executive Director of Angami Baptist Church Council, invoked God’s blessings. The welcome and introduction of guest from different regions was done by Rev. Dr. Solomon Rongpi, General Secretary, CBCNEI.
Short speeches were delivered by Neikhonyu Kuotsu, Chairman of Medziphema Village Council; Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho, General Secretary of Nagaland Baptist Church Council; Rev. Dr. W Konghar, General Secretary of Manipur Baptist Convention; and Rev. Dr. Janang Sangma, General Secretary of Garo Baptist Convention.
Medziphema Village Baptist Church presented a special number, while the words of appreciation was delivered by Huzo Meru, Director of Operation, NECU, and Rev. Kuzierang Thou, Nagaland State Chaplain, pronounced the benediction.