Bokekali P receives the Dr Satuo Sekhose Memorial Academic Excellence Award 2025
Patkai, July 19 (MExN): Patkai Christian College (Autonomous) celebrated its Graduation Ceremony 2025, with the theme “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” at the Bundrock Auditorium on July 19.
Dr Tuisem A Shishak, Principal Emeritus and founder of the college, offered the invocation prayer. A special musical performance by the MSSM Choir dedicated to the graduating class, stated an update received here.
The commencement speaker, Zuthunglo Patton, IFS, Conservator of Forest, Southern Territorial Circle, Kohima, and a 2004 Zoology (Hons) graduate of Patkai, in her address, recalled how her mentors at Patkai “didn’t just teach—they transformed lives.”
Drawing from her journey in the Indian Forest Service, Patton urged the graduates to pursue what sets their soul on fire. “Persist. And never, ever quit,” she said. Patton offered a reflection on the current employment scenario in Nagaland. Citing the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023–24 by the Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, she noted that Nagaland has the second-highest unemployment rate in the country (7.1%), behind Goa. One in four youth are reportedly seeking employment.
“It’s a cruel paradox—we’re brimming with talent, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit, yet we face a serious lack of opportunities,” she said. Structural limitations such as a predominantly agrarian economy, limited industrial exposure, and societal pressure to seek only government jobs were highlighted as key contributing factors. She pointed to the recent Forest Guard recruitment drive, where over 24,000 applicants competed for just 154 posts, as a stark example.
Despite the grim outlook, Patton encouraged graduates to look beyond conventional options. She listed alternative career paths including Entrepreneurship, Private and Corporate Careers: Freelancing & Consultancy and so on. “Don’t wait for a job—create one if you must,” she advised. “Start small, sell crafts, tutor online, open a thrift shop. Dignity lies in effort, not in a job title.”
She concluded with a message of hope and faith: “Your journey is yours alone. Embrace the unknown. Work hard. Stay rooted. And when storms come—don’t quit.”
“Don’t feel shy to reach out, be curious, be inquisitive, explore boldly, embrace detours and don’t fear rejection,” she added.
During the ceremony, degrees and medals were formally presented to the graduating class. Dr Sentiyanger Longkumer announced the names of the awardees, while the commencement speaker and Dr Thepfuvilie Pieru, Principal of PCC, distributed the certificates and medals.
Among the academic achievers, Bokekali P, a Bachelor of Arts student in Political Science, was conferred the Dr Satuo Sekhose Memorial Academic Excellence Award 2025 for securing a CGPA of 9.75. The award included a cash prize of Rs 30,000 and a merit certificate.
A total of 16 students from Undergraduate and Post Graduate batch were conferred Gold Medals. Student representatives Temsurenla Longkumer (Postgraduate) and Vichiirielie Sechii (Undergraduate) delivered speeches on behalf of the graduating batch. Delivering the ‘Charge to Graduates,’ Dr Renchumi K Kuotsu also exhorted the graduating students. Alumni Association of Patkai Christian College (AAPCC), President Neikhalo Sono, officially inducted the graduates into the alumni network. The programme concluded with a benediction by Rev Zhabu Terhiija, Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
