Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, MARCH 18
The Kohima Educational Trust (KET), on Friday, March 18 awarded scholarships to 149 Naga students.
The scholarship, which include cash and citation, were presented by Steve White, KET Trustee in the presence of Charles Chasie, president, Kohima Educational Society (KES), Dr. P. Ngully, chairman, KES and World War II veterans at Ura Academy Hall, Kohima.
Apart from the KET scholarships, the KES Kohima also took the initiative in awarding scholarship to four students. The later category has been listed as ‘Artiste Scholarship’, and they have been sponsored by local musicians including Tetseo Sisters, Methaneilie Jutakhrie, Euphony Choir, Tali Angh, Alobo Naga and Purple Fusion.
The scholars/students were selected from all districts representing all section of the Naga society. What is unique to this year’s scholarship is that 23 students were awarded basing on the ground that they are kith and kin of WWII veterans.
Speaking on the day, KET Trustee Steve White lauded the Naga WWII veterans for their supreme sacrifice during the interwar years.
“The British would not have won the war without the help of the Naga people,” White said maintaining that the objective in providing the scholarship to the Naga students is “a means of saying ‘Thank you’ to the Nagas.”
“The scholarship is initiated as ‘a debt of honour to the Nagas.”
It may be mentioned that the KET scholarship was initiated under the leadership of late Gordon Graham, Retd Lt. Colonel of the British Army, who passed away just last year in April.
Steve White made it known to the gathering that the KET raises money in England to provide scholarship to Naga children. He informed that the money is raised by war veterans who contribute voluntarily.
Regretting that the number of war veterans in England is becoming ‘fewer and fewer’ with years, Steve told the students to remember them in their prayers.
“Think of the war veterans for their generosity and think of Gordon Graham who initiated the idea of providing scholarships to the Naga students as ‘repayment of debt of sacrifice by the Nagas’.
He urged the students to give their best in their studies inorder to have a bright future.
“By providing the scholarship, the veterans want you to fulfill your dreams and ambitions. Your success will make them and all of us proud,” he said stating that the KET Scholarship will go a long way in helping the Nagas for a better tomorrow.
