K G Kenye, James Thoppil and others during the golden jubilee celebration of Sacred Heart HSS Chizami on October 9.
Kohima, October 9 (MExN): The Sacred Heart Higher Secondary School, Chizami under Phek district celebrated its Golden Jubilee on October 9, commemorating fifty years of dedicated service in education, character formation and community development.
The celebration brought together Church leaders, government dignitaries, pioneer missionaries, teachers, students, alumni, parents and members of the local community.
Nagaland Power & Parliamentary Affairs Minister KG Kenye graced the occasion as the Special Guest, while Most Rev Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, delivered the Jubilee message.
The programme featured the hoisting of the Jubilee flag, lighting of the Jubilee lamp, prayer dance, cultural performances, the Jubilee theme song and the release of the Golden Jubilee souvenir.
Addressing the gathering, Kenye acknowledged the opposition and hardships encountered by Catholic missionaries in various parts of Nagaland during the early years of their mission.
He expressed deep regret and apologised for the difficulties caused to the Church by sections of the local population. He commended the Catholic Church for remaining steadfast despite these challenges and appreciated its significant contribution to education and society.
The Minister also praised the quality of education and formation provided by Catholic institutions, observing that their students were equipped to meet national and international standards. He encouraged the students to study well, become responsible citizens and repay society through grateful and selfless service.
In his message, Bishop James Thoppil expressed gratitude to God, the pioneer Jesuit missionaries, the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters, successive principals and teachers, alumni, parents and the people of Chizami for their contributions to the school’s growth.
Recalling its humble beginnings as a primary school in 1976, he paid tribute to the missionaries who persevered despite difficult terrain, limited infrastructure and social opposition.
The Bishop emphasised that Catholic education is a mission of service rather than a commercial enterprise, reaching communities where educational opportunities are limited. He highlighted the formation of the head, heart and hands—academic competence, moral character and social responsibility—as the foundation of Catholic education. He also stressed that Catholic education appreciates and preserves indigenous culture while preparing students to meet national and international standards.
Addressing the students, he urged them to study diligently, uphold discipline and prayer, respect their teachers and avoid the harmful influences of drugs, alcohol and excessive mobile-phone use. He called upon alumni to support their alma mater, parents and community leaders to continue their cooperation, and the management and staff to pursue greater academic excellence without compromising human and spiritual values. Comparing the school to a mustard seed that had grown into a fruitful tree, he expressed hope that it would continue forming responsible citizens committed to God and humanity.
The Golden Jubilee was a tribute to five decades of faith, sacrifice and educational service by the Jesuit pioneers, Ursuline Franciscan Sisters, educators and the local community. As Sacred Heart Higher Secondary School enters its next chapter, the celebration renewed its commitment to academic excellence, cultural preservation, moral integrity and service to humanity.
