Officials along with the graduates during the 9th GNM graduation ceremony-cum 23rd Late Ketsovole Kire Award programme held at the Chapel Hall of the College of Nursing, District Hospital, Dimapur on April 2.
Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 2
Nurses remain the “heart of healthcare” and their role is becoming increasingly critical in a rapidly evolving medical landscape, Dr Khelito Zhimo, Joint Director of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland, said on April 2.
Addressing the 9th GNM graduation ceremony-cum-23rd Late Ketsovole Kire Award programme held at the Chapel Hall of the College of Nursing, District Hospital Dimapur, Zhimo said the occasion symbolised pride, gratitude and hope, marking years of discipline, sacrifice and perseverance by the graduating students.
Highlighting the changing healthcare scenario, Zhimo said nurses today shoulder extraordinary responsibilities across hospitals and health centres. “Nursing is not merely about procedures or medicines, but about compassion, reassurance and being the steady presence during emergencies,” she said, adding that patients often remember the dignity and kindness with which they are treated.
She commended parents for their sacrifices and lauded faculty members for mentoring students, noting that the 2026 batch topper also hailed from the institution.
Emphasising the significance of the Late Ketsovole Kire Award, Zhimo said it honours one of the earliest trained Naga nurses who served at Naga Hospital Kohima (now NHAK), and continues to inspire young professionals to uphold values of dedication, humility and service.
Calling upon graduates to adapt to evolving healthcare needs, she urged them to serve with humility, particularly in rural and underserved areas, and to uphold ethical practices, compassion and integrity in their profession.
Also speaking at the programme, Zheibu Kire, IPS (Retd) and former Director General of Police, described nursing as a uniquely humane profession that remains irreplaceable despite advances in artificial intelligence.
While technology is transforming many sectors, he said, nursing continues to stand apart due to its foundation in compassion, patience and human connection. “Doctors and nurses serve patients with love and care—qualities that technology cannot replicate,” he said, terming the medical profession a “noble calling.”
Recalling the life of his mother, late Ketsovole Kire, he said she was born in 1919 in Jakhama village and trained at the American Baptist Mission Hospital in 1942. She served for over two decades at the Mission Compound Hospital and later at Naga Hospital Kohima before taking voluntary retirement in 1962.
He added that she later assisted her husband, Dr NiiRuzu kire, in running Kohima Pharmacy until 1979 and remained active in church service as a deaconess. She passed away on May 26, 2002, while offering a prayer with her family.
Highlighting the award’s legacy, Kire said it was instituted in 2002, initially covering Kohima and Mokokchung, with Dimapur joining in 2016. He noted that awardees over the years have come from various tribes, with Angamis leading, followed by Chakhesangs, Aos, Lothas, Semas, Kukis and Konyaks.
Among institutions, he said the Kohima-based nursing school recorded the highest number of toppers, while Mokokchung and Dimapur have also performed strongly, with Dimapur emerging as a topper in recent years.
Citing the achievements of past awardee Vesjo Tsüli Sühoi, who went on to top her university and secure a gold medal in psychiatric nursing, he encouraged graduates to pursue higher education and specialisation, stressing that continuous learning is essential.
The programme, held at the Chapel Hall of District Hospital Dimapur, began with an invocation by Vitoni Chophy, followed by a welcome address by Medical Superintendent Dr George Thirah. A special prayer for the graduates was pronounced by Rev Yhunlo Thong, Chaplain, DHD.
The awardee speech was delivered by Chubamenla Jamir, Nagaland GNM Topper 2026, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Bendangsangla R, Principal, School of Nursing, District Hospital Dimapur.
A total of 32 students completed their General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) course.
