Dr Tuisem and Magaret Anne Shishak with alumni and faculty members of PCC during the book release programme on August 28. (Morung Photo)
‘Patkai 92-97’ Batch honour pioneering couple with ‘As we know them: The Shishaks’
Morung Express News
Dimapur | August 28
“Every day I wake up reminding myself that I am alive for a purpose,” maintained Rev Dr Tuisem A Shishak, the founding former principal of the Patkai Christian College (Autonomous) on August 28.
For many, the pioneering couple – Dr Tuisem and Magaret Anne Shishak have already achieved more, particularly in education, which the former said is regarded by Naga societies “as operative in all stages of life and very much in the interest of the cohesion of village communities” even without formal schooling of the West.
The couple’s ground-breaking works and its impacts were affirmed unanimously on Saturday with the release of the book, “As we know them: The Shishaks,” at PCC’s Bundrock Hall by Dr Jyoti Roy, one of the senior most faculties of the college.
The book was dedicated by PCC Chaplain Rev Vichukho Neikha.
An initiative of the 1992-97 Batch of PCC, the glowing hagiographical tributes to the ‘two-extraordinary individuals’ speak volumes of how they have been instrumental in shaping the journey of students not only in their educational pursuit but also musical and spiritual nourishment.
“Their narratives had different trajectories, one from East to West and the other from West to East, yet they collided and illuminated a vast horizon,” the Batch stated in the introduction.
Speaking on behalf of the Batch, Dr Adani Ngullie said that the admission to the college 29 years ago for 5 years were the “best times of their life,” instilling in them, among others, confidence, tenacity, value of life and lifelong friendship.
She further informed the idea for the book was initially proposed after a WhatsApp group of the Batch was created in 2017. Later, at their reunion in December 2017, the Batch adopted two resolutions. The first was to assist children of batch mates who have lost their lives and secondly, to come out with a testimonial biography on the founding principal and wife.
So far, they are giving monetary assistance to 4 children. The biography came to fruition after the Core Committee decided to take forward the resolution taken at the reunion as a way of giving back something to their Alma mater.
Funded by the Batch, the initial target for release was 2020, but due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it was extended and launched on Saturday.
The book is 24 years late in coming, maintained Dr Lanuchuba Walling, one of the four editors of the book along with Dr Peterkhrienuo Sorhie, Abenla Aonok, and R Chumbemo Ngullie.
“However, we were busy becoming what you wanted us to be,” Dr Walling justified, addressing the Shishaks, who were in the audience.
He christened them “God ordained couple” and the book was just a “confirmation of what we already know” about the significant job the duo has been doing over the years and described the experience as akin to “bathing in the stream of knowledge.”
He further proposed to name Dr Tuisem as “Nagas of 20th Century” in the field of Education and that of Margaret as “Most Influential Music Missionary to Nagas.”
Major (Retd) SS Aimol of the Batch also narrated how he could finish higher education due to unique opportunity offered by the college – as a working student.
Greatest joy is alumni
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Tuisem stated that the greatest joy of his life is to see Patkai alumni doing productive life across the world.
“My greatest achievement is Patkai Alumni,” stated the educator, who turns 90 on August 31.
Dr Tuisem also expressed hope that he will be around to celebrate the PCC’s Golden Jubilee in three years from now.
Though a book in our honour was the last thing on my mind, my wife and I could not have asked for a better gift on the eve of their marriage anniversary on August 29, he said.
He also informed that currently he is writing his autobiography and said he hope to finish it before his 91st birthday. Margaret in a brief response to the book expressed gratitude to the Batch for the initiative and asked the gathering to continue to pray for them.
It is a proud moment for us, said PCC Vice Principal, Angel Sonari expressing happiness that such an important book is being released on the 47th Foundation day of the College. The college was established on August 28, 1974.
The first college to attain autonomous status in North East region, she informed that the PCC is working for status of Deemed University with the University Grant Commission.
The present administration will continue to strive for betterment and upliftment of the college, she said.
The event was hosted by Dr Sorhie while Athungo Thyug gave the closing remarks.
The book will be available at Isa Book Stall, Books and Books and Modern Book Depot in Dimapur, Crossword and Bible House in Kohima, and at Students Book Centre and Connect in Mokokchung at. For Manipur and Assam, one can contact the following numbers respectively: 9366269823 and 9864049781.
