Our Correspondent
Mokokchung | September 8
Oft-regarded as the best government college in Nagaland, Fazl Ali College today observed its 50th foundation day in the college auditorium with the Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung CM Tsanglao as the chief guest. The college will be celebrating its golden jubilee later this year.
FAC was established in 1959, a time when the Naga political movement was at its height. The overall situation was not conducive for establishing a college but a few leaders took the initiative to walk the extra mile. Consequently, the people of Mokokchung felt the need to have a college and came forward to assist. Every household in Mokokchung contributed a rupee each, while ‘officers’ donated 15% of a month’s salary to the cause.
The college was initially accommodated at the Mayangnokcha Government High School. The college started functioning from September 8, 1959, with an enrollment of 42 students and three lecturers. Today, the college has 14 departments and 66 lecturers with an enrollment of 730 students, offering degree courses in science and arts.
Addressing the college, Deputy Commissioner Tsanglao said that the premier college as an educational institution has a great role to play: He said teachers and students as intellectuals should act as catalysts in the state, not only in the institution. He particularly mentioned the lecturers as those having a great responsibility.
“Teachers besides imparting knowledge should act as a catalyst. Beyond this campus, be social and cultural ambassadors at this juncture of our history,” he said.
Recollecting how the college was established, CM Tsanglao said every Naga village was “sovereign” and independent. “Our forefathers thought that they were free, and in the middle of the 19th century, everything changed. Social, political, religious and cultural activities changed with the coming of Christianity and education. Unfortunately, in the 1950s, Nagas could not be in peace. After the British left, India gained independence but the Nagas also claimed their independence and wanted their freedom to be recognized. During the height of Naga political movement, in 1959, this college was established by visionary leaders. Today, this college has reached its maturity. Be proud to be a part of this prestigious college in the state.”
He also said that Nagas claim independence, “but the acts we showcase, I think there is no justification. Nagas are divided. He added that the Nagas through the “plebiscite” of 1951 voted in favor of independence. “But today, the more we talk about integrity and unity, the more we are disintegrated and disunited.” Tsanglao challenged the teachers and students of the college to “act as a catalyst so that a day will come when there will be peace and harmony, so that a change will come in favor of all the citizens.”
Other highlights of the foundation day celebrations included an enactment ‘Breaking Free’ performed by the Career Guidance Cell of the college. ‘Mother FAC’ was another play enacted by the Evangelical Union of FAC. The Students’ Union of FAC also performed a drama, ‘The long and winding road’ depicting how the college came into being.
Earlier, the prelude of the programme was conducted by the NSS of FAC followed by Principal Kuholi Chishi delivering the vote of thanks. The NCC of FAC performed an Ao folk dance, which was followed by presentation of awards to ‘FAC Literary Day’ winners. Also, senior Economics lecturer Arenla Longkumer and Lab Assistant of Geography Repatemjen were awarded the Meritorious Award.
