Dimapur, May 27 (MExN): Realizing a dream that promises of an even higher level of academic excellence, if the performance over the years, of St John Higher Secondary School facility is anything to be considered, St John College was inaugurated today at the new building, Diphu Road, Dimapur, within the same campus of the secondary.
Brandon Donnel a Christian educationist from the United States, addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest reminded the people that education is more than an academic endeavor but also an extension of training of the pupil to be worthy citizens of the society. “It is to develop the mind and apply it to skill. The more skill we have the greater the capacity to acknowledge the other person’s welfare i.e., love your neighbor’” the educationist from Texas asserted. Basing his exhortations from the gospel of Matthew 22:33, in The Word, Donnel expressed the hope that the establishment of St John College would be a part of the Almighty God’s kingdom on Earth.
Nagaland Board of School Education Chairperson Nini Meru, Nagaland University Deputy Registrar Tongpang Ao and Dimapur Deputy Commissioner K Nzimongo Ngullie also addressed the gathering briefly as Guests of Honor. NBSC Chairperson Nini Meru, evidently unsettled by the about one-hour late commencement of the function joked that she is “allergic to long functions and will not be a party to the further length of this function” and ended her “speech” wishing the new college success.
Nagaland University Deputy Registrar Tongpang Ao while appreciating St John Higher Secondary School for its high performance expressed high hopes that St John College would tread the same path of academic excellence as the school . “The role of education is becoming greater in the society in today’s context Degrees are no more enough” the Deputy Registrar said and urged the gathering to introspect whether or not “degrees are really (a measure of) one’s worth.”
Ao was of the opinion that the college should brace itself for tough challenges ahead as an institution of higher learning. “You must work hard and catch up with global trends. Unless we work hard, with devotion and sincerity, we will be left behind” Ao challenged. “If we do not put the effort where will we be?” he asked.
Dimapur Deputy Commissioner K Nzimongo Ngullie also addressing the function, called for a revamp of the entire educational system in Nagaland. He said that the present educational system was only for pursuit of degrees and not for the all-round development of the learner. “After graduation, where does the student go? Most of them are rendered parasites to their parents because the system of education in Nagaland does not impart practical knowledge” DC Ngullie maintained.
He suggested that a practical, professional-oriented curriculum be incorporated in the present syllabus so that it would encourage the students to be practical minded which they can use creatively in future. “We acquire degrees, doctorates etc but because of the present system, those who live in this system suffers” the DC asserted.
Earlier in the function, chaired by Toshi, Pastor St John HSS, Professor Talong delivered a brief introduction to the new college saying that it was the result of necessity as well as a dream. He also informed that regular classes would commence around the second week of June and necessary facilities added. Other highlights of the programme included a song presented by Jerry and Jill Lou and Choir performances by the St John Choir.
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