Jorhat, January 14 (MExN): Eastern Theological College observed its 109th Foundation Day on January 12. To mark the occasion, an array of programmes were organised beginning with Thanksgiving Service.
The College President, Rev Zhabu Terhüja, during the thanksgiving service said the occasion was a time to acknowledge and thank God for all the fore-parents who laboured for the establishment and growth of the institution and for fulfilling the vision of the institution, for their words, their deeds and for the quality of their living witness.
He reiterated it was a time to thank God for the college and its adventurous initiatives in the field of theological education and in widening the scope of Christian theological reflection, a time to recommit the institution and its ministry and once again seek God’s blessing.
A press release issued by Dr. L. Imsutoshi Jamir, Dean of Tribal Study stated that the ETC community on the occasion made sincere covenant “to be responsible today, so that our little and humble contribution will connect the blessing and prosperity of Eastern Theological College with the past and the future to come.”
Alemtemshi Jamir, Chief Secretary, Government of Nagaland and Banuo Z Jamir, Additional Chief Secretary and Commissioner, Nagaland were the chief guest and guest of honour respectively at the Foundation Day celebration.
In her greetings, Banuo Z. Jamir said, “I am what I am today because of the grace of God.” She urged the ETC community to continue to remain faithful in God’s grace so ETC continues to remain ever relevant to the current challenges. She also called for upgrading the College to a University level in order to address the challenges, particularly the North East concerns.
Meanwhile, Alemtemshi Jamir highlighted several relevant and contextual challenges in the current global scenario. He also brought to light some of the pertinent issues and challenges faced by people of North East region. He said that the issues such as, developmental concerns, inter-cultural concerns, gender issues, tensions in the region, are all theological concerns and pointed out that Christian Theology which is based on “love” and “equality of all” must work towards addressing these issues consciously and sincerely. Jamir urged the community to look at the present scenario of the region and think about creating space in developing “motivational programmes” and “management techniques” for policy makers. He asserted that external agencies will not be able to solve the problems of the North East India. “It must come from within us,” he affirmed.
