Mr and Miss Freshers participants during the the 44th Freshers’ Day of Pfutsero Government College on August 8. (Photo Courtesy: PGC)
PFUTSERO, AUGUST 11 (MExN): IPS officer and Pfutsero Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Gautam Ramneek urged students of Pfutsero Government College (PGC) to cultivate discipline, set clear goals and develop resilience as they begin their college journey.
Addressing more than 100 new students during the college's 44th Freshers’ Day on August 8, Ramneek encouraged them to make use of the freedom and opportunities available in college, while cautioning that without discipline and effective time management, their college years could pass without meaningful achievement.
Drawing from his own experience as a student, he recalled repeatedly postponing plans to study seriously until graduation and urged students to identify their goals clearly and write them down.
He also emphasised consistency over natural talent, citing Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps and his rigorous training routine as an example of how sustained effort can build excellence. He encouraged students to view failure as a milestone rather than a defeat and to set realistic daily targets, beginning with achievable goals and gradually increasing them.
Ramneek also called for responsible use of smartphones and artificial intelligence, encouraging students to use platforms such as YouTube and ChatGPT as learning tools while retaining independent thinking and critical reasoning. He stressed the importance of communication skills, public speaking and participation in sports.
Speaking on Nagaland's development, he said progress should not be measured solely through infrastructure such as roads, hospitals and educational institutions, but also through the quality of its human resources. He encouraged students to view education as an opportunity to contribute to their community, society and the country.
Earlier, PGC Principal Dr Anungla Pongener, in her keynote address, urged freshers to focus on self-improvement, discipline and employable skills. She said college education should extend beyond obtaining a degree to shaping character, developing skills, nurturing leadership and preparing students for life.
Drawing on her more than three decades of teaching experience at Kohima Science College, Jotsoma, Pongener recalled students who worked during weekends and semester breaks to meet educational expenses, with some unable to attend the initial weeks of classes because they could not afford admission fees.
Despite these challenges, she said, many persevered and went on to excel academically.
On employability, she said academic qualifications alone were insufficient, noting that while a degree may open the door, skills determine how far one can progress. She encouraged students to develop communication, computer, entrepreneurship, digital, vocational and language skills.
Pongener also cautioned students against excessive smartphone use, particularly social media and endless scrolling, urging them to exercise control over their digital habits.
Quoting Bible, she encouraged students to uphold integrity, honesty, humility and responsibility, while respecting parents, teachers and seniors. She also urged them to build positive friendships and habits and make the academic year meaningful.
The 44th Freshers’ Day brought together students, faculty members, invited guests and members of the Cultural Student Union to welcome the new students.
Meanwhile, in the Freshers’ Day 2026 contests, Sedewe Kazhie was adjudged Mr Freshers 2026, while Luzolu Tetseo won the Miss Freshers title. Chewe Elah and Wate-u Lasushe were declared first runners-up, while Tshelo and Tsulu Lohe were named second runners-up.
The event also featured Ravolü Chuzho, PGT Sociology, CMHSS Phek and co-chairperson of Miss Phek Foundation; Ezhotou Keyho, Femina Miss India Nagaland 2023 and Miss Phek 2021; and Sano Koza, Assistant Professor, Department of English, Pfutsero Government College.
