Lamp-lighting ceremony marks new beginnings for nursing students at CIHSR

DIMAPUR — The College of Nursing, Christian Institute of Health Science and Research (CIHSR), Chümoukedima, held its lamp- lighting ceremony on Friday at LG Hall, marking the induction of the 15th batch of General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) students and the 12th batch of BSc Nursing students.

Chief guest Prof. Mercy John, former Principal of College of Nursing (CON), Christian Hospital Bissamcuttack, Odisha, addressed the new students, reminiscing about her own lamp‑lighting years ago, recalling the traditional attire she wore and admitting she couldn’t remember any of the speeches from that day.

Prof. Mercy highlighted the nursing profession’s beauty and value, citing the nurses’ pledge to stress ethical practice, dedication, and compassion as core principles.

She urged the students to carry these qualities forward through their studies and into their careers.

The professor centred her talk on “purity,” citing Mary Elizabeth O’Brien’s scholarship on spirituality in nursing. She described purity as “compassionate presence”, a sincere, empathetic, and purposeful attitude that goes beyond technical skill, arguing that genuine compassion builds the trust patients place in nurses.

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She pointed out that patients see a nurse’s uniform as a badge of trust and responsibility and that a compassionate presence can encourage them to open up about their struggles.

Citing John 15:16, she reminded the students they are “chosen,” urging them not to fear the future because “God has a plan.”

She also recounted how she once resisted nursing, only to discover later how profoundly meaningful the profession became for her.

She described nursing as a "holy profession", urging humility and mindful care, and likened nurses’ work to Jesus’ ministry explaining that while ultimate healing comes from God, nurses play a vital role in aiding that process, and that they are “in the profession of our Creator,” even “the profession of Jesus himself.”

The chief guest also reminded the students that the lamp‑lighting ceremony carries Florence Nightingale’s legacy and the duties passed to each new nursing cohort.

Altogether, 100 students, 50 from GNM and 50 from BSc Nursing, took part in the ceremony and pledged their commitment to the profession.

CIHSR director Dr. Sedevi Angami exhorted the students while Dr. T Lipoksanen Jamir, senior consultant, ophthalmology, offered a prayer of dedication. The ceremony was led by Imliyangla, assistant professor, CON, CIHSR.