View of the Kohima Science College, Jotsoma (Autonomous) new academic building inaugurated on February 3. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Jotsoma | February 3
After about 60 odd years since its establishment in the year 1961, Kohima Science College, Jotsoma (Autonomous) today got a new academic building, that literally rose from the ashes of the Physics and Chemistry Departments that got burnt down during April 2017.
The new building, which was formally inaugurated by Keneizhakho Nakhro, MLA also represents triumph in times of adversity as most of the works were completed during the two years of the pandemic. Standing 240 ft long and 50 ft wide with 36 classrooms and two sitting areas, the building was constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 6.67 crore.
Kohima Science College Jotsoma was granted academic autonomy by the UGC in 2014. Dr Lily Sema, who took over as the principal of the college in November 2017 recalled the challenge of finding space for taking classes coupled with the unfortunate fire incident during the same year.
However, deciding to be part of the solution instead of being part of the problem, on February 15, 2018 at the Red Square (where the new building stands), she said, “eleven of us came together and started this building with a prayer led by our CCF Chaplain Rev. John Kamai.” “We dreamt big. We didn’t want to start small,” she stated.
The journey, she said, “had not been easy but our Almighty God had His plans. He continued to open all doors for us to complete this building.” She further expressed that the building would not have seen the light of the day if not for the government, well-wishers, faculty, staff and students while articulating that “amazingly, the work never stopped for want of materials or shortage of fund in the last 4 years.”
Expressing gratitude to all those involved in the completion of the new building, she added that “the best thing we have learnt from this project is—nothing is too big when we are united and committed.”
Addressing the inaugural, MLA Keneizhakho Nakhro said it was a remarkable and a notable achievement and acknowledged the Government of Nagaland and all those who contributed towards the construction. “This building could stand here today only because of the relentless pursuit, collective effort and pragmatic approach of the principal and her colleagues,” he stated.
Further expressing that today, their integrity had withstood the test of time, he told the students that “you are more fortunate to enjoy better infrastructural facilities and I wish and pray that this will invoke more hard work and persistence to bring more laurels and recognition to the college.” He also assured full support and cooperation from Jotsoma village towards fulfilling the desires and aspirations of the college.
The new building was dedicated in prayer by Rev Zakiebinyü Peseyie, Pastor, Baptist Church, Jotsoma. Highlights of the event included welcome note by Thungbeni Yanthan, Vice Principal, special song by Yanger and Theja and vote of thanks by Moasangla Jamir, HoD, Anthropology Department. Dr Wenyitso Kapfo chaired the programme.
