Educational institutions in Nagaland hold flash mob, observe Anti-Ragging Week

DIMAPUR — Educational institutions in Nagaland organised different events in the last few days, including a flash mob on drug abuse awareness, a fresher’s day celebration, and an anti-ragging week observance.

NEISSR: A flash mob on the theme “Drug-free youth” was conducted by the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) 5th Semester trainees of the North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR) in collaboration with the IQAC and the Red Ribbon Club on Thursday at Jack and Jill, Chümoukedima.

According to an update, the performance, staged in a public setting, captured the attention of onlookers and delivered a message on the need to empower young people to lead a drug-free and healthy lifestyle.

Also read: Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry backs NSF demand for landlord–tenant registration system in Nagaland

The flash mob served as a call to action, raising awareness on substance abuse and emphasising the role of youth in building a responsible society. It was one of the major highlights of NEISSR’s observance of the 6th National Social Work Week.

Earlier, on August 19, the IQAC organised a poster presentation on the theme “Bridging care and compassion: social work in health settings”. The event showcased the contributions of social workers in promoting healthcare with a human touch.

On August 20, the NSS Unit of NEISSR conducted an essay writing competition on “Youth and mental health”, which provided a platform for students to express their insights and perspectives on issues of mental well-being.

ICFAI University: The ICFAI University, Nagaland, hosted its fresher’s day on August 20 at its campus in Sovima village. According to a press release issued by the university, the programme was organised by the student council with the guidance of faculty members.

Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) S Borbora, speaking on the occasion, emphasised the importance of student life beyond academics and encouraged the students to aim further.

A series of performances, including solos, musical renditions, and traditional rounds by students across departments, entertained the gathering. Fresher’s speeches were delivered by Jennifer Koch (BBA) and Avoli S Yeptho (MA Education).

The fresher’s titles were conferred as follows: Mr. Fresher 2025 – Imtitoshi Longkumer (Department of Management), Ms. Fresher 2025 – Karuna Kumari (Department of English), Mr. Ethnic 2025 – Tangsoi Shui (Department of Political Science), and Ms. Ethnic 2025 – Nitoholi (Department of Education).

Nagaland University: Nagaland University’s School of Agricultural Sciences (NU: SAS), Medziphema Campus, observed the Anti-Ragging Week from August 11 to the 18th by organising a series of activities.

The week commenced with an inaugural programme featuring the Nagaland University Anthem, an invocation by the EU President, and introductory speeches by key officials including Prof. J Longkumer (associate dean) and Prof. Dipak Sinha (pro vice-chancellor). The event emphasised the consequences of ragging and included an anti-ragging pledge taken by all students.

Throughout the week, various interclass competitions were held to promote awareness and creativity against ragging, including poster-making, essay writing, slogan writing, debate, skits, and video reel making. Winners were recognised in each category.

Throughout the week, various interclass competitions were held to promote awareness and creativity against ragging, including poster-making, essay writing, slogan writing, debate, skits, and video reel making.

In the poster-making competition on the theme “Creating a safer campus”, the winners were Inakito Achumi (first), Kulbinu Khatso (second), and Sushanta Saha (third). The essay writing competition on the theme “Ragging and its effect on academic performance” was won by Sheyao Keangsay Konyak (first), followed by Lelin Uchoi (second) and Atsulam (third).

In the slogan writing competition, themed “Creating a safer campus”, Neinuo Shine Kiso secured first place, Benthong Y Khiamniungan was placed second, and Sanglenshi Yimchunger secured third. The video reel-making competition was won by the B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture 3rd Year class, while in the skit competition, the 3rd Year B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture secured first place and the 2nd Year B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture took second.

In the debate competition on the topic “Psychological ragging is more harmful than physical”, the winners were Ongchu Phom (first), Achim Rose (second), and Illunding (third).

The valedictory programme on August 18 featured speeches from Prof. L Daiho, dean, School of Agricultural Sciences, and Prof. Sinha, reinforcing the importance of a safe and welcoming campus environment, especially for new students.

Additional sensitisation efforts were carried out by the Ph.D. Forum in hostels, and the newly elected SAS Students’ Union committed to continuing anti-ragging awareness activities.

The observation of the Anti-Ragging Week was coordinated by the office of the Associate Dean, Students’ Welfare, Nagaland University, Medziphema campus.