‘NU must become model of practicing justice and liberty’

Prof. Alongla P Aier with the staff of Nagaland University SASRD during the silver jubilee celebrated on September 6. (Photo Courtesy: NU SASRD) 
 

Medziphema, September 7 (MExN); The Nagaland University silver jubilee was celebrated at SASRD on September 6 with Prof. Alongla P Aier, Oriental Theological Seminary, Dimapur as the special guest. The celebrations were held in all the campuses simultaneously to commemorate 25 years of Nagaland University. 

In her speech, Prof. Alongla stressed that Nagaland University must become the model of practicing justice and liberty. Each time injustice is carried out or corruptions takes roots the poor and oppressed will be enslaved more and our society will suffer. Jubilee is a time to restore and renew our commitment to work for justice and liberty so that  Nagaland University can make itself great for all times. 

Quoting Nelson Mandela who said “education is the most powerful weapon which we can use to change the world”, she concluded by saying that Nagaland University should continue on the task of sustaining a vision that will last a lifetime impacting many generations who will transform the world.

She drew parallels with jubilee celebration in Biblical times which were based on three themes: affirmation of faith in God; yearlong Jubilee celebrations with God providing all provisions and finally the proclamation of justice and restoration of liberty where debts were cancelled, lands taken forcibly would be returned and slaves would be freed. 

Prof. Alongla asserted that institutions such as Nagaland University should observe this jubilee as a time to celebrate and recognize the goodness of God in our lives while reflecting on the evolution of the university and its milestones. It is also a time to thank the pioneers who struggled to make Nagaland University what it is today and what has been achieved so far. The faculty and staff should also take the time to be grateful for all blessings showered by God through the university. 

She also reiterated that reflections must be not only on good things but also on the failures. Our ability to honestly say that we have failed; made mistakes and cheated and thereby owning up to our sins will help us to create a desire to change for the better, to leave behind all the bad, and thus become free of all that which holds us back. Serious soul searching is required about the shortcomings and to be aware of things that are not right; that have hurt and affected relationships and has stopped the growth of this institution. Jubilee is a time to set right the wrong and to acknowledge the failures and make amends for the better. A mind free of guilt, a conscience that is as light as air and a heart that feels right with awe: such a mind, conscience and heart is the greatest force that can transform our world and we must all strive to be like that. 

A press release received here stated that the programme was chaired by Prof. L Daiho, HoD, Dept of Plant Pathology, while Prof. Pauline Alila HoD, Dept of Horticulture gave the welcome address and invocation prayer offered by Dr. R. Zuyie, Assoc. Prof. Dept of LPM.  Students’ Union:SASRD performed a folk dance and the Non Teaching Staff Association, NU:SASRD enthralled the gathering with a special song. A short documentary highlighting 25 years journey of Nagaland University was also screened and the University pledge-taking was conducted by Ottava Swu, Deputy Registrar, NU:SASRD.