Faculty of Kohima College pose for a photo during the Teachers’ Day celebration held at the college’s courtyard on September 3.
Kohima, September 3 (MExN): Kohima College on Thursday observed Teachers’ Day in advance with a special programme at the college courtyard, bringing together students and faculty to honour teachers for their guidance, dedication and contribution to shaping students’ lives.
The programme began with Hichulo Magh as the leader, who expressed gratitude to teachers for their guidance, love, memories and support, followed by an invocation led by Puhie J.
Delivering the welcome address, Dr Vitsosie Vüprü, Principal of Kohima College, extended Teachers’ Day greetings and described teachers as the “changemakers of our life.”
He thanked the students for organising the celebration and stressed the importance of teachers’ expertise and presence in the classroom. He also said teachers should be respected and honoured not only on Teachers’ Day but every day.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Wati Lkr, General Secretary, extended Teachers’ Day greetings to the teachers and said the occasion should be more than an annual celebration.
He said teachers mould students’ lives and often recognise their potential even when students fail to see it themselves. Referring to the words of Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and Henry Adams, he highlighted the lasting influence of teachers.
The students presented traditional Angami necklaces to women teachers and daos to male teachers as tokens of respect and appreciation.
Speaking on behalf of the teachers, Dr Theyiesinuo Keditsu, Assistant Professor, Department of English, reflected on the responsibilities and challenges of teaching.
Recalling a story about Dr Radhakrishnan, she reminded the gathering that teachers are human beings with flaws and limitations and that educators must remain willing to learn.
She emphasised that one of the greatest responsibilities of a teacher is to cultivate the capacity to be taught.
Students, she said, are themselves teachers to their educators as they challenge assumptions, reveal shortcomings and encourage teachers to improve.
Sharing a personal experience from her early years of teaching, Keditsu recalled gaining a deeper understanding of her own teachers after experiencing the challenges of standing on the other side of the classroom.
She further stressed that teaching is a relationship in which students and teachers must meet each other halfway. Students should ask questions, express concerns and challenge assumptions when necessary, she said.
Keditsu highlighted higher education as a shared learning journey in which teachers and students walk side by side, with teachers serving as facilitators and guides.
She concluded by describing Teachers’ Day as a celebration of both teachers and students as lifelong learners, each capable of learning from and teaching the other.
She also expressed gratitude to her colleagues and thanked the students for honouring the teaching fraternity.
The programme featured cultural presentations, including “An Ode to My Teachers” by Mhaleyonuo Khezhie, a special number by Atsolü and a special appearance by The Tri Ds.
