A view of the cubicle set-up equipped with computer and internet connection. It is currently working on setting up the cubicle. (Photo Courtesy: Aspirers Study Centre)
Kanili Kiho
Kohima | June 3
On a benevolent mission to help the Naga civil service contenders, especially those pursuing Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) civil services examination, Aspirers Study Centre was established in May of 2018 by the then Accountant General, Nagaland A Pitoho Chophy in Kohima.
Chophy brought about a first-of-its-kind Study Centre in Nagaland to enable devoted aspirants from the State to a suitable study setting at an affordable fee. Chophy, who is now the Principal Accountant General A&E, Nagaland would personally assemble current affairs and extra notes for the students. He would also provide exclusive motivational classes by officers in station which included IAS, IPS, IA &AS.
However, on the brink of his dream for the young Nagas to clear the prestigious exam, Chophy was officially transferred to Ranchi in 2019.
That is where he passed on the baton to Kiviboto Sheqi, Proprietor of Pioneer Institute Kohima, a civil service coaching institute and computer training which offers computer certificate courses.
After more than two years of closing owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, Aspirers Study Centre is all set for revival under Pioneer Institute, Kohima. In conversation with The Morung Express, Sheqi said that its primary objective will be to serve as a resource centre for the aspirants of both UPSC and NPSC (Nagaland Public Service Commission) civil services exams.
The Aspirers Study Centre is located in Pusa Complex BOC Kohima, opposite Hotel Japfü. “It is in a serene location, an ideal home for the civil service aspirants,” said Sheqi. The study centre has a cubicle set-up, which will provide personal space for learning and enable group discussions at the same time.
The Study Centre will have a library with books on different subjects (catering to both NPSC and UPSC), newsletters and study materials. Computer with internet connection and free wi-fi are also made available, while the Study Centre will also offer book-lending and sale facilities.
The library will also have a special space for books on Nagaland. “So, we are trying to assort all the books about Nagaland and I would want the place to serve as a resource centre for anything that has to do with Nagaland. More so, from a competitive exam’s point of view,” he said. “The challenge is, the book market in Nagaland right now is not so big,” added Sheqi.
Mock tests for both NPSC and UPSC exams will be available, where Sheqi is tying up with reputed coaching centres from Delhi for UPSC. The brainchild Chophy, is part of the governing body. With a huge sentimental attachment still tied to his dream project, Sheqi said that respecting Chophy’s noble vision, he decided to stick with the same name “Aspirers Study Centre.” The Principal Accountant General and his counterparts from IAS, IPS, IA&AS and NCS will be delivering classes and will personally monitor and guide the students as well.
“I cannot say how it will all turn out,” said Sheqi with mixed emotions on re-launching the Study Centre. “The concept of a study centre is still quite new to us. We Nagas are not used to coming at such a space to read and study.”
He however, expressed confidence that the aspirants will make the most out of the unparalleled facilities provided in one’s own city.
Aspirers Study Centre is scheduled for inauguration on the second week of June. Business hours will be from 9:00 am-9:00 pm. The Centre will have a cafeteria which includes beverages, sandwich and Naga rice-bowl on the menu.
