Dimapur, Sep. 7 (EMN): School of Agricultural Sciences and Rural Development (SASRD), Medziphema campus, celebrated silver jubilee of Nagaland University on September 6 with Prof. Alongla P Aier of Oriental Theological Seminary, Bade, Dimapur, as the special guest. The celebrations were held in all the campuses simultaneously to commemorate 25 years of the University’s existence.
In a powerful speech, Prof. Alongla Aier drew parallels with jubilee celebration in Biblical times which were based on three themes: affirmation of faith in God; yearlong jubilee celebrations with God providing all provisions; and finally the proclamation of justice and restoration of liberty where debts were cancelled, lands taken forcibly would be returned and slaves would be freed.
Prof. Alongla asserted that institutions such as Nagaland University should observe jubilee as a time to celebrate and recognise the goodness of God in their lives while reflecting on the evolution of the university and its milestones, a press release from SASRD stated in an update on Saturday.
Prof. Alongla also stated that celebration of jubilee should also be a time to thank the pioneers who struggled to make the Nagaland University what it is today and what has been achieved so far. She also reiterated that reflections must be not only be on good things but also on the failures.
“Our ability to honestly say that we have failed; made mistakes and cheated and thereby owning up to our sins will help us to create a desire to change for the better, to leave behind all the bad, and thus become free of all that which holds us back,” she stated. She also stated that serious soul searching is required about the shortcomings and to be aware of things that are not right; that have hurt and affected relationships and has stopped the growth of the institution.
She said jubilee is a time to set right the wrong and to acknowledge the failures and make amends for the better. She has urged to strive for a mind free of guilt, a conscience that is as light as air and a heart that feels right with awe which according to her is the greatest force that can transform the world.
Prof. Alongla stressed that Nagaland University must become the model of practicing justice and liberty. She added that each time injustice is carried out or corruptions takes roots, the poor and oppressed would be enslaved more and the society would suffer. She said jubilee should be a time to restore and renew commitment to work for justice and liberty so that Nagaland University could make itself great for all times.
Quoting Nelson Mandela who said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which we can use to change the world,” she concluded by saying that Nagaland University should continue on the task of sustaining a vision that would last a lifetime impacting many generations who would transform the world.
The programme was chaired by Prof. L Daiho, HoD, department of Plant Pathology, while Prof. Pauline Alila, HoD, department of Horticulture, delivered the welcome address and invocation prayer was offered by Dr. R Zuyie, Associate Prof. department of LPM.
SASRD Students’ Union performed a folk dance and the non-teaching staff association enthralled the gathering with a song. A short documentary highlighting 25 years journey of the University was also screened and the university pledge-taking was administered by Ottava Swu, Deputy Registrar. The vote of thanks was delivered by Prof. KK Jha, HoD, department of Agriculture Extension.
