Medziphema, October 24 (MExN): The 41st Foundation Day of SASRD: NU, Medziphema Campus cum alumni meet was celebrated on October 24 with the 7th batch of SASRD hosting the feast.
Mhabemo Yanthan, Secretary, Tourism, GoN graced the occasion as special guest, while Hoto Yeptho, Director, Land Resources, GoN, was the guest of honor. The Foundation Day Lecture was delivered by Dr. Umed Pun.
‘SASRD a premier institute’
The special guest in his address proclaimed that SASRD is a premier institute because it has produced professionals engaged in various capacities in the administration and agriculture and allied departments in Nagaland who are executing their work commendably and professionally. He also expressed that it is high time that change in agricultural dynamics is ushered in through new policies and new methods that will alleviate the problems of the farmers and give sustainable livelihood. He threw a challenge to the alumni association to work out innovative systems and practices of agriculture that can be disseminated and which can bring much needed changes in agricultural sector in Nagaland.
Hoto Yeptho, who is from the first batch of SASRD, in his speech exhorted the students to know God, work hard and to gain knowledge, not just a degree. He exhorted the students to really understand what is being taught so that their core knowledge is solid which will stand them in good stead in the future.
In his Foundation Day Lecture, Dr. Umed Pun highlighted the various avenues of entrepreneurial activities in horticulture that the graduates can venture into and gave practical advice. He encouraged the students to come out of the comfort zone and to explore the world as there are opportunities galore. He also informed the students of various scholarships that could be availed from various Universities around the world.
Peri Om Pun Excellence Award instituted
This year the Peri Om Pun Excellence Award for the topper of B. Sc. (Hons) Ag I year was also instituted so as to encourage and motivate the student right from the first year. The annual award of Rs. 10,000/- is being sponsored by Dr. Umed Pun, SASRD Alumnae from the 7th batch as a thanksgiving to his parents. His father was in the Assam Rifles and Dr. Umed Pun started his education from Don Bosco, Wokha, then in Kohima Science college Jotsoma and finally in SASRD:NU (Erstwhile NEHU college of Agriculture). Pun went on to do his master in Odisha, PhD in New Zealand and post doctoral from Japan. He is now the adjunct Professor in Agriculture and Forestry University, Nepal; Tribuvan University, Nepal and Njala University, Sierra Leone in Africa. Apart from teaching, he is into commercial floriculture and works as a horticulture consultant in many organizations. He is also the president of Horticultural Society of Kathmandu, Nepal. The first Peri Om Excellence Award for 2017-18 was awarded to Vijaya Lakshmi of B. Sc. (Hons) Ag. The annual SASRD Alumni award of Rs. 20,000/- and citation for the B. Sc. (Hons) Ag Topper 2017-18 was awarded to Himami Hajong.
A press release stated here that Prof. L. Tongpang Longkumer chaired the programme, while Prof. L. Daiho pronounced the invocation. Dr. Watila Jamir, Vice Principal IETC reminisced about the days as the 7th batch student in SASRD. Prof. M. Aleminla Ao, Dean gave the welcome address and Prof. T. Lanusosang gave a short exhortation. Vote of thanks was delivered by J. Akato Chishi. Special songs were presented by EU: SASRD and SASRD students. The evening programme main headliner was the DGP band.
