“If there is one place on the face of earth where all the dreams of living men have found a home from the very earliest days when man began the dream of existence, it is India.” – Romain Rolland.
As a student, we are supposed to study what is given in the syllabus, however, in our college we also learn something which is not in the syllabus but which is absolutely necessary to build ourselves as human beings and an ideal citizen of the nation state- The India. Since the last few years Tetso College has made its presence felt in Nagaland and also in other parts of India. In academics, we have always been at the forefront, however, now I feel we have truly started to live the official "goal" of the College: "To Create a positive impact in the world".
In the context of the complex contemporary history of Nagaland which is marred by violence and an unpleasant past, how to weave the hopes for future is something we as students learn at Tetso. We do not have tribal unions, we never had such things. Our Faculty members are from different parts of India. We somehow succeeded in constructing a 'cosmopolitan' environment in our college campus where people are more concerned about the present and the future than the past.
Extracurricular activities have taken our college to a different height. Various clubs in college are not only just playing a role in the campus but outside as well. They are consistently busy in sending the bright messages of hope. Clubs like Red Ribbon Club, NSS, NCC have been actively contributing to the nation building process. Clubs like Tetso Motorcycle Club and Tetso Mountaineering Club (TMC) have gone well beyond "Call of Duty" in the service of the people and the nation.
In Tetso College we learn and practice the 'universal' values given to us by our "Constitution of India,” we learn and understand our rights and duties as well and through holistic teaching approach we are taught how to become an ideal citizen of the nation. The Constitution of India is our one and only ‘Cardinal Rule’ that recognizes and protects our rights as human beings and also as citizens of India and charts out the destiny of our collective future as ‘empowered’ citizens of free India.
The college was at a leading position among the colleges in Nagaland in celebration of the "75th Anniversary of India's Freedom" (Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav). On 15th of August three events simultaneously: - The History Club conducted an event titled "Hum Sab Bharatiya Hain-We Run For Our India"; members of TMC hoisted flag at "Chumu Hill"’ and six TMC members club went all the way to successfully hoist flag and celebrate Independence Day on top of Mt Saramati (for the first time in the recorded history of Nagaland). Also, a member of Tetso Motorcycle Club participated in "Har Ghar Tiranga '' Bike Rally organized jointly by Royal Enfield Showroom, Kohima and Assam Rifles. The Business Club of the college also celebrated Independence Day and observed the "Har Ghar Tiranga'' Campaign. Also, the positive relationship that college has developed with various government agencies, defense forces and NGOs is commendable. The strong presence of highly intellectual and visionary personalities like SC Jamir and Rupin Sharma in the campus as "Lamps of Wisdom'' have laid the foundation of the "Progressive Movement towards brighter future for the Nagas” that teachers, students and the other stakeholders are striving to shoulder in the interest of the present and future of the Nagas and our India as whole.
As a PG student of Political Science, I can witness the contribution of our college to the nation building process. The meaning of education should never be limited to "examination" or "a certificate of degree" rather it should have a wider vision- a vision to build the leaders of the Nation-servants of the Nation.
My Professor always used to say, "There are a handful of people who are silently working everywhere in the best interest of the society and the nation, they are invisible golden hands which made impossible possible.” I found such dedicated people in Tetso-both among the student community and the faculty members.
As a Naga student from Frontier Nagaland, I dream to serve my India. I dream of joining the Armed Forces. I am not sure whether this dream will ever be fulfilled or not, but one thing I can surely say is that with the experiences I gained in college, I have become more confident, strong, a more patriotic nationalist Indian and an able servant of great Mother India. Even if I could not become a Soldier, I will definitely make an impact in the world I live, for my people and for my great country. Jai Hind! Vande Mataram!
Degree of Thought is a weekly community column initiated by Tetso College in partnership with The Morung Express. Degree of Thought will delve into the social, cultural, political and educational issues around us. The views expressed here do not reflect the opinion of the institution. Tetso College is a NAAC Accredited UGC recognised Commerce and Arts College. The editors are Dr Hewasa Lorin, Dr Aniruddha Babar, Khangpuiliu Pamei, Rinsit Sareo, Meren and Kvulo Lorin. For feedback or comments please email: dot@tetsocollege.org.
