Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 17
As Holy Cross Higher Secondary School, Dimapur celebrated 50 years, it was a proud moment for the institution as well as those associated with it as they came together to honor its achievement and make plans for future. The Holy Cross family came together on April 16 at the School premises to celebrate the legacy. An alumni get together was held on April 17.
As students past and present came together, it was an occasion of camaraderie where old classmates came together to remember the past as well as meet their teachers who had molded them and who are still working in the school. Asked what makes her alma mater stand out from the rest, Susan Lotha (batch of 1994) said the school has not only given here education but values, virtues, integrity and spirituality. She recollected her mentoring teacher as late Sir Dorji who taught her not only to speak English well but also to be “a better human being by helping others and accepting people whether they are rich or poor.” Saika Chishi of 95 batch seconded her.
Jimmy Chishi (1994 batch) said he was proud of Holy Cross School because it not only gave him education but helped him in his artistic journey.
I remain ever grateful to my parents for making the choice to enroll me at Holy Cross School, maintained Akangchila Longchar, a journalist with The Morung Express who studied from Nursery to 10th standard (2001 batch).
“More than me, my parents who could never pursue their own higher education are very proud of my Alma Mater and speak of it like their own. In so many ways, they are part of it. From dropping me and my two siblings to school for more than two decades, they know every inch and corner of the school, its timings, and teachers especially the senior ones,” she added.
“Today I wear tags as a Journalist and Teacher and I owe almost everything to my Alma Mater, my Holy Cross School,” she added.
A sentiment echoed by Dr. Sentinungla, a parent and an alumna herself, who said, “In this world of cut-throat competition for education, there is a need for social footing. I as a parent have faith and trust that the Holy Cross School can provide such footing for my children.”
Sometimes the success of schools not only depends on an able administration in a mission mode but also the dedicated service of the teachers.
As 14 teachers who have worked more than 26 years or more were felicitated at the main event on April 15, one can easily fathom they were instrumental in molding it into an enviable institution today. The longest serving for last 47 years; some teachers come even from the farthest corner of the country.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, one of the awardees, P Edwin, a Math Teacher who landed from Tamil Nadu in 1979 and is retiring this year after 38 years said it was his determination to teach the subject to the people of the state that held him back over the years. A family man, he said he visits his family once or twice annually.
Another teacher, M Gnana Nirmala came in 1977 as a Physical Education Teacher and has served the school in various capacities over the years and is now the state Training Commissioner, Nagaland State Bharat Scouts & Guides (NSGSG). She will retire this year after her fourth extension and working in the regions for Bharat Scouts & Guides. “I stayed for the love of students and cannot go back now,” she said when asked about her motivation.
Even the frail but determined Rev. PC Mani, the first Principal, attended the event even though a failing health limited his mobility.
Started with 12 students in April 16, 1966 by Fr Joseph Felix, the school has now grown into a well-knitted extended and growing family as it marches into the future and continues the legacy of “School with a difference” upholding its social, educational and spiritual values.
The mood was vividly reflected by Longchar when she said, “As the School Song was sung at the Jubilee celebration programme, I'm sure the alumni from the first batch to the most current one had a moment where they visualized their memorable past.”
As they march into the future, Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, the bishop of Kohima, who was speaking as a Guest of Honor, urged the gathering to take as a moral duty to be an agent of change. That’s the take away every Holy Family member has to keep in heart as they step outside the institution.
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