Tiakhala Jamir Shimray (Photo Courtesy: PCC Mass Comm)
Chümoukedima, May 14 (MExN): The Department of English at Patkai Christian College on May 13 organised a farewell programme in honour of Tiakhala Jamir Shimray, recognising her decades of service and contribution to the department and the institution.
The programme, held on the college campus, was attended by faculty members, students and guests who gathered to celebrate Shimray’s academic journey that began in 1986.
The event was led by Songanor Horam, while Linovi Achumi delivered the opening prayer.
Students from different semesters presented musical performances during the programme, including “The Blessing” by BA 4th Semester students, “Carpe Diem” by BA 6th Semester students, and “When You Travel Far” by BA 2nd Semester students. Ezolü Lohe and second-year students also performed “My Teacher’s Souvenir”.
Head of the Department of English Dr Sazono Sibo highlighted Shimray’s commitment to teaching and her role in the growth and development of the department over the years.
Students paid tribute through speeches and reflections, recalling her mentorship and guidance. Rukuzo D Vadeo of BA 4th Semester and Darkarwon Luikham of BA 6th Semester shared their experiences and expressed gratitude for her support as a teacher.
Reflecting on her nearly four-decade-long teaching career, Shimray recalled the early struggles of building the honours programme with limited academic resources. She spoke about manually preparing notes for students and travelling outside the state to procure books and study materials during the formative years of the department.
Encouraging students to pursue lifelong learning, she described literature as a means to help people “see” life more clearly and urged them to believe in themselves and their abilities.
Shimray also thanked her colleagues and students for their support, respect and understanding throughout her years at the college. Describing the department as her “extended family”, she said the memories and relationships built over the years would always remain close to her heart.
The programme also featured a special segment titled “Collection of Treasures” and concluded with a closing prayer by Kesolü Khutso.
The farewell ceremony ended on an emotional note as students, colleagues and guests expressed gratitude and remembrance for a teacher whose contributions, they said, would continue to inspire future generations.
