Dimapur, July 30 (MExN): A virtual graduation ceremony celebrating the success of the Undergraduate and Higher Secondary Class of 2021, Tetso College was held on July 30 with Dr Paul Pimomo, Emeritus Professor at Central Washington University, USA, as Commencement Speaker for the event.
Participants at the event included the graduating classes, parents, teachers, staff, juniors, and well-wishers who joined the ceremony which was held virtually on Google Meet and streamed live via YouTube.
The programme was chaired by Dr Nouzhienino Peseyie, Asst Professor, Department of Psychology, Tetso College which began with an opening prayer led by Jonathan Mesen, Youth Secretary, Council of Rengma Baptist Churches. Zunphawhile H Margereth of BA 5th Semester enthralled the congregation with a special song.
In her welcome address, Dr Hewasa L Khing, Principal, Tetso College welcomed the commencement speaker and thanked all the participants for gracing the auspicious occasion with their presence. While regretting that the ceremony could not take place in person owing to the present circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Hewasa asserted that the college has tried their best in giving the students a befitting graduation ceremony.
In honour of the late college founder’s life, she introduced the Dr P S Lorin Financial Aid Scholarship which seeks to provide financial aid to students from the far-flung areas of Nagaland.
Further, she mentioned that 416 undergraduate students among whom are four gold medalists – Akuminla Pongetsür, Cynthia Zeuzeule, Inato Aye and Ratna - and 47 higher secondary students are graduating this year.
She congratulated the students on their achievements and hoped that they were ready to take on the challenges and opportunities that the ever changing world presents.
Commencement speaker Dr Paul Pimomo stated that it has been a season of confusion and divides. He spoke of two realities in the world ushered in by the pandemic – first the massive tragedy and suffering on a global scale. The second reality, he said, is the other side of the tragedy - the simple fact of human caring and love for one another.
“As we do our part to eradicate the pandemic still raging in many parts of the world, let this day of your graduation be a celebration of the other side of the pandemic in your lives. A day in which you plant two seeds of caring and empathy and professional excellence for the common good,” he exhorted.
He concluded with a blessing in the form of a formal prayer for the graduates reminding them to “advance mindfully in life and in life’s journey.”
Meanwhile, a moment of silence was observed in remembrance of late Dr P S Lorin’s exemplary life and immensely successful work in higher education in Nagaland.
Class valedictorians Inato Aye from the UG level and Milleni Chisho from higher secondary also delivered speeches.
In conclusion, Dr Tatongkala, HoD, Department of History,Tetso College delivered the note of appreciation.
