NEISSR conferred degrees on 97 graduating students from its Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work programmes at its 11th Graduation-cum-Foundation Day 2026 on October 3.
Marks 11th graduation-cum-foundation day 2026
Chümoukedima, October 3 (MExN): The North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR) conferred degrees on 97 graduating students from its Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) programmes at its 11th Graduation-cum-Foundation Day 2026 on Saturday.
The ceremony was held at the Bishop Abraham Memorial Hall at the institute's Peace Centre, 7th Mile, Chümoukedima, a press release received here stated.
V Lovitoly Sema, Additional Secretary, Higher and Technical Education and Ex-Officio Director of Higher Education, Government of Nagaland, was the chief guest. Most Rev Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima and Chairman of NEISSR, was the special guest.
Sema said social work is not merely a profession but a commitment to people, compassion, justice and social responsibility. She urged the graduates to turn their academic knowledge and professional skills into meaningful action for society.
Pointing to the relevance of social work education in Nagaland and the Northeast, she said challenges such as mental health concerns, substance abuse, family problems, gender-related issues, conflict, displacement and the growing influence of digital technologies require professionals who can work across communities and institutions. She asked the graduates to remain committed to lifelong learning, service and human dignity.
Bishop Thoppil said that NEISSR as a mission-driven laboratory for social transformation seeks not only to impart knowledge but also to form persons with professional competence, compassion and commitment to society.
He gave the graduates three mandates: to be professionals with a heart, to be messengers of peace, and to remain rooted in Christ while being open and respectful towards all. He urged them to build bridges rather than walls and contribute to the healing and development of Nagaland and the Northeast. He also reminded them that they would always remain part of the NEISSR family and the wider Diocese of Kohima.
In his welcome address, Principal Fr Dr CP Anto highlighted the institute's philosophy of “Head, Heart and Hand”, which links academic learning with compassion, professional competence and meaningful action.
He said NEISSR alumni are working in government and non-governmental organisations, national and international bodies, social entrepreneurship, community initiatives, teaching and higher education. Around 40 NEISSR students have qualified the National Eligibility Test (NET) over the past two years, he said, with several progressing towards doctoral studies and academic careers.
Fr Anto called upon the graduates to look beyond employment and personal advancement and become professionals committed to peace, justice, compassion and social transformation.
The programme included a multimedia presentation, “Glimpses of NEISSR”, on the institute's academic, co-curricular, community engagement and developmental initiatives. A cultural item, “Echoes of Heritage – Melodies of NEISSR”, was presented by Pinika Yepthomi and Vilhourieno Sekhose.
Bovitoli D Zhimo (BSW) and Awakhing Rengma (MSW) spoke on behalf of the graduating batches. Th Jacob Khongsai, MSW, delivered the Best Student Award speech. The graduands were felicitated by Dr Abel Ariina, Assistant Professor, NEISSR.
Vice Principal and Administrator Rev Fr G L Khing proposed the vote of thanks.
