Rev Dr Wati Aier, faculty and students pose for a photo during the Convocation 2026 programme held at Lorin Hall, Tetso College in Chümoukedima on August 13. (Photo credit: Tetso College)
Chümoukedima, August 13 (MExN): Tetso College held its Convocation Ceremony 2026 at Lorin Hall in Chümoukedima on August 13, celebrating the academic accomplishments of 383 graduating students across its MA, BA, BSW, BCA, B.Com, and BBA programmes.
Delivering the commencement address, Rev Dr Wati Aier—Emeritus Professor of Philosophy and Constructive Theology, Convenor of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation, and Ambassador of 21 Wilberforce of the Baptist World Alliance—described graduation as “the end of a beginning” and emphasized the power of education in questioning injustice and reshaping society.
Quoting poet John Masefield, Rev Dr Aier described an institution of learning as a place “where those who perceive truth may strive to make others see.”
Drawing on anthropologist David Graeber’s belief that human-made structures can be remade, he urged the graduates to confront inequality, corruption, and dehumanization with courage, humility, and faith in God.
“As you step beyond these walls, you will encounter a world marked by inequality, bureaucracy, and rigid hierarchies. The sociologist Émile Durkheim called this condition anomie—a state of normlessness, where individuals feel disconnected from collective meaning,” Rev Dr Aier said.
“But remember: these structures are not immutable. They are human constructs. And what is constructed can be reconstructed,” he added, affirming that dignity is inherent in every person and calling on students to contribute toward a more just society.
In the chairman’s address, Kvulo Lorin, Chairman of Tetso College, urged students to stay rooted in their heritage while adapting to an AI-driven world. Drawing an analogy with a tree, he said the strength of one’s roots determines how firmly one stands and how far one's influence reaches.
“Don’t try to outpace a machine. Be something it cannot be,” Lorin advised, encouraging graduates to cultivate uniquely human qualities.
He also outlined the college’s progress toward autonomous status and revealed plans to introduce Law and Physical Education programmes, subject to approval from Nagaland University. Lorin commended the Class of 2026 for sponsoring a scholarship for a third-semester Psychology student, calling the gesture “the Tree of Hope in action,” and recognized the sacrifices of parents.
The event commenced with the symbolic watering of the 'Tree of Hope' and an invocation by Youth Pastor of Rengma Baptist Church, Sovima, Awa Lorin. The ceremony was chaired by Dr Hawaibam Loiyumba, Assistant Professor at the Department of English.
Valedictory reflections were delivered by Ketuosieno Prescilla Khamo, first-rank achiever in MA English, and Khushi Jain, Gold Medallist in BA Political Science and overall Undergraduate Topper of Nagaland University.
Ketuosieno stressed the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage, while Khushi urged graduates to view education as a civic responsibility in the service of justice.
The college recognized four other first-rank achievers: Aiyana Y. Jaideep (Linguistics), Linoka Yepthomi (BSW), Doma Yangchen (Mass Communication), and Yomei Shakai (BBA).
Other top rankers acknowledged included Lenity B. Aventh (2nd rank, MA English), Anamica Debnath (2nd rank, B.Com), Watisangla (2nd rank, BA Economics), Kivini S. Zhimomi (3rd rank, BA Psychology), Sahnemren N. Jamir (5th rank, BA Political Science), Vikethonuo Metha (6th rank, BA Economics), and Mechieno Kin (6th rank, BA History).
Earlier in the day, the Department of English organized a book launch where Rev. Dr. Wati Aier released Frames of Fiction: Photographic Narratives of Literature, published by Kethu Publishing House and authored by the MA English Class of 2026. The book bridges literary analysis with visual storytelling. It was edited by Dr Anjan K Behera, Dean, IQAC Coordinator, and Associate Professor of English, alongside fourth-semester MA English students Lenity B. Aventh, Visedenuo Khruomo, and Tiamongla Imchen.
The convocation drew nearly 800 attendees, including graduates, faculty members, parents, and invited dignitaries, acknowledging the faculty's mentorship and the college’s academic environment.
