Mount Olive College Kohima celebrates 25th Anniversary
Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 25
Minister for School Education and Parliamentary Affairs Tokheho Yepthomi today said that holistic education is required in the present society.
Gracing the 25th anniversary of Mount Olive College Kohima, the Minister stressed on the need to have education that empowers the people to have the dignity of labour, respect for others, allowing differences of opinion, have civic sense and above all, know the ways of Jesus Christ.
He said the contemporary Naga society needs a lot of introspection, both in terms of religion and as human beings.
“Our literacy rate is higher than the national average, yet there are so many problems faced by our people,” the minister said adding that there are so many educated unemployed today in the state. He said academic qualifications have become the bane of our society because many do not understand the dignity of labour. And thus many youths are unemployed whilst people from outside are thriving doing jobs that are now considered below ones dignity by our own.
He expressed dismay that we have lost such an important value of dignity of labour that our forefathers held so dear them.
“Our forefathers did not depend on outside help to make a living. They lived in villages but were still self sufficient and happy. No work was too small. Today, we have urbanized and are all armed with degrees and qualifications but cannot earn a living,” he said.
“Our society today is so dependent on the government of the day, to solve and resolve every issue, be it social or economical,” he said.
The ultimate challenge of the government today is the mindset of the people, a mindset where the goal of an individual takes precedence over that of collective good, he said adding “It is never too late to take corrective measures. Let us do away with the skepticism and ridicule, instead let us join hands and work together. Let us not get swiped by momentary gratifications.”
Touching information technology in the modern world, he urged upon the youth to make good use of it, but also be careful of its negativity and pessimism.
Stating that our ancestors have already shown us that we need not depend on others to make an honest living, he challenged the youth to try and revive that precious value with a sense of belonging.
The minister acknowledged the visionary initiative of Siimi Baptist Church Kohima for setting up strong foundation for Mount Olive College and further appealed the church to continue such initiative for the betterment of the people.
Earlier, Y. Kikheto Sema, IAS, secretary finance and land resources development Nagaland, who is also chairman Board of Deacons Siimi Baptist Church Kohima said that the church felt the need to invest in social sector in which Mount Olive College was established in 1992.
He said the College does not only provide quality education but also transmits moral values to the students. Dr. K. Kuhoi Zhimomi, former principal MOCK released the souvenir while acknowledgement of the pioneers and distinguished guests was led by Dr. Narendra Tiwary, principal, MOCK.
Dr. Hokheto Chopi, pastor Siimi Baptist Church Kohima and Nitoshe Zhimo, associate pastor Siimi Baptist Church Kohima pronounced dedicatory and thanksgiving prayer respectively.
