Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 5
Dimapur Government College (DGC) is going to turn 50 this July. The oldest college in Dimapur, erstwhile known as Dimapur College (Arts & Commerce), it had its share of ups and downs on its journey to today transform into a highly sought after institution of higher education in Nagaland.
The story has it that some prominent citizens of the town realising the need for a place of higher learning took the initiative to establish a college. It was a time when Nagaland was grappling with the challenges of governance as a new state of the Indian Union.
The initiative materialised into Dimapur College (Arts & Commerce) in July 1966 with its campus based where the Public College of Commerce is today. It was a modest start with 83 students enrolling and a faculty of 7 jumpstarting the onerous task of transforming and shaping young minds.
The 50 years journey has witnessed three university affiliations, a change in administrative control and nomenclature and importantly, NAAC grading. In its initial years, it was affiliated to Guwahati University before getting affiliated to North Eastern Hill University in 1974. Subsequent to the state government taking ownership of the college in February 1989, it was renamed as Dimapur Government College. It finally settled down with Nagaland University in 1994.
Prior to the official takeover, according to an alumnus, the government acquired land to relocate to the present campus. Construction of the campus was started in tandem but the pace of work was sluggish with the completion time getting extended.
The anxious students preferring the serene environment of the new campus eventually took it upon themselves to relocate before construction could be completed. The alumnus recalled that the students tidied up the half done building one fine day in 1988. Construction had started over three years ago. The teachers also cooperated with classes resuming in the unfinished building without much amenity.
While the government appeared content at constructing a building to run classes, the college received developmental aid from unexpected quarters and well wishers over the years. Neglect by the government in the initial years following the acquirement made the land vulnerable to encroachment. It today has a football field, a basketball court and a library building constructed with aid from the Army. The latter of the three however did not witness much use.
At one time, the college gained local notoriety for rather unruly student behaviour and volatile politically influenced student elections. Former students of the time, also recall sneaking out of class mid-lecture after roll call through gaps in the walls. But all that is past now with the college administration affecting a significant revival over the past two decades or so.
The change in output was observable with the college gradually improving its results even in the midst of little or no improvement in infrastructure. The total ‘Pass’ percentage for the three-year integrated degree course was over 90 percent this year.
Reward was looming too as the college received NAAC ‘B’ grade accreditation in 2015. Admission to the college has also got more competitive with the cut off mark set at 52 percent. Gone are the days when students with ‘simple pass’ percentage could easily get seats.
The DGC website states that the present enrolment stands at 874 students, 50 faculty members and 55 non-teaching staffers. It has introduced Diploma courses in Hospitality and Tourism and is all set to offer 6-month certificates course in Floriculture.
“DGC is emerging as a great centre of higher education in Nagaland,” said the alumnus while adding it was the result of the teachers that has helmed the college faculty not forgetting the foresight and the contribution of the pioneers and other concerned citizens.
DGC Alumni Association readies for 50th year milestone
The Dimapur Government College Alumni Association informed that it is all set to celebrate the 50th year anniversary alongwith the college. A member of the association said that marking the jubilee, the association is constructing two commemorative gates leading to the campus. The association is also set to construct a waiting shed-cum-college canteen.
According to the member, the side of the main road leading to the campus was being used as a garbage dumping site by residents in the vicinity. Stating it was not an inviting sight, the member said the garbage was cleared and informative banners were put in place to discourage the practice. The association was assisted by an NGO – Living for Environment in the effort. The spot will then be readied for building the canteen-cum-waiting shed, it was informed.
The preparations will culminate with the college marking the golden jubilee year with a special celebration on October 16, 2016. The association requests all the college alumni and well wishers to contribute towards its success.
