Khriehu Liezietsu with others after unveiling the silver jubilee monolith of Oriental College, Kohima on December 15. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | December 15
The year- long celebration of the Silver Jubilee of Oriental College Kohima culminated today with much pomp and gaiety at the College Auditorium.
Gracing the grand celebration as the special guest, MLA Khriehu Liezietsu said the entity to attain a milestone of 25 years may be considered a successful undertaking “because in today’s competitive world, whether it be education, sports, music etc., only the best and the most resilient can survive and last.”
He maintained that Oriental College’s humble beginnings and its spread over a sprawling campus with well-developed infrastructure today, providing quality education alongside personality development, “is nothing short of a success story.”
Stating that education is the bedrock of development in all aspects of life, Liezietsu said “Throughout history, we find that civilisation grows around education and society is at its best when its citizens are educated and civilised.”
Expressing happiness that the college focuses on all round development of students by giving emphasis to life skills and personality development, mentorship and counseling, evangelical activities, games and sports etc., Liezietsu said “ I am sure the college will grow bigger and stronger in the coming days and our people will get immense benefit out of it.”
Further, Liezietsu prayed that the Almighty God would shower His blessings abundantly to Oriental College, “so that it can turn into a premier institution that caters to not only Nagas but across our region and beyond.”
25 years journey of Oriental College
Oriental College Principal Dr Ketshukietuo Dzüvichü said that 25 years ago a group of enthusiastic, energetic men and women under the auspices of the Christian Youth Organisation of Christian Revival Church Kohima village decided to establish a college under the visionary leadership of Viu Belho and Oriental College was conceived in June 1996 and officially established in 1997.
The first batch Pre- University (Art stream) 1996-97 started with 58 students and 3 guest lecturers–Neilevonuo, Pratap and Dihe and 3 regular staff- Mhalezolie Kire as acting principal, Zakiebeilie Khezhie as cashier and Kobi as peon.
In July 1996, Dr SD Nandi, former lecturer in Lady Keane College, Shillong came as principal.
The college introduced Pre- University (Commerce) in 1997 with 5 students on the roll and Nagaland University upgraded the courses from Pre- University to BA and B.Com in 2000 with 31 students in BA (Gen, & Hons) and 15 students in B.Com (Gen. & Hons). Dr Nandi served the college as principal till November 29, 2004.
Dr Ketshukietuo Dzüvichü took over the charge as principal on November 30, 2004.
“This is my 18th year as principal of Oriental College, Kohima,” Dr Dzüvichü informed.
Dr Dzüvichü thanked Viu Belho for having trust and confidence in him also Khriesatuo Keretsu, secretary and Khriekeyielie Solo for being supporting pillar for all these years.
3913 graduates in 25 years
From 1996- 2022, a total of 10, 351 students enrolled in Oriental College Kohima.
Out of this, 4,707 studied in Degree Arts & Commerce and 5644 in Higher Secondary Arts & Commerce.
In a span of 25 years, the college had produced 3,913 graduates who are leading a successful independent life.
Dr Dzüvichü said that the main mission of the college is to groom young students to acquire academic knowledge and also the vital skill necessary to lead an independent life “so that all the passing graduates will be an asset to the society and not a liability.”
The college is imparting life skill classes and skill development programme for the students besides the conventional courses.
“Silver jubilee celebration is a joyous occasion for every stakeholder of the college and we need to give honour and glory to our Almighty God for the manifold blessing that He had done for us for the past 25 years and may the Jubilee celebration bring more unity and understanding upon us and may the college prospers and scale greater heights spiritually and academically in the days to come,” said. Dr. Dzüvichü.
Earlier, the silver jubilee celebration function was chaired by Dr. Gopal Chetri, vice principal Oriental College while Rev. Vichülie Kelio, pastor, Christian Revival Church Kohima village invoked God’s blessing.
Theyieneinuo Belho, co-convenor organising committee shared “College Memoir.’
Kevingunuo Suokhrie and Virie led mass singing of college anthem. The celebration witnessed special songs from Oriental College staff, Sr CYE Christian Revival Church Kohima Village and college choir.
Earlier, the Liezietsu unveiled the silver jubilee monolith, which was led by Keviuchütuo Kuotsu and blessed by Lhouvizhü Sachü, pastor Christian Revival Church Kohima village.
