Members of the donor villages Chümoukedima and Seithekema accepting the customary gift of rooster and salt as part of the Angami tradition during the 51st Foundation Day celebration of the Pataki Christian College (Autonomous) at the Bundrock Chapel Auditorium on August 28. (Photo Courtesy: PCC Mass Comm)
Chümoukedima, August 28 (MExN): Patkai Christian College (Autonomous) commemorated its 51st Foundation Day at the Bundrock Chapel Auditorium on August 28 with a large gathering of faculty, students, alumni, Board of Trustees, donor villages, and other well-wishers.
In his welcome address, Principal Dr Thepfuvivlie Pierü described Foundation Day as “a time to remember the sacrifices and challenges overcome by the Founder and Principal Emeritus, Rev Dr Tuisem A Shishak and his late wife, Margaret Shishak, as well as all those who stood with them in building the dream of establishing the college.”
He reminded the gathering of the contributions of the two donor villages, Chümoukedima and Seithekema, which donated 1,000 acres of land free of cost for the cause of education.
Consequently, many students have walked through the doors of this college and gone on to become respected members of society, he said.
Dr Pierü assured that the college would “continue to provide quality education at affordable fees, foster human values, and ensure the holistic development of each student,” adding that this can be realised through the efforts and dedication of the faculty and staff.
The Principal also extended a welcome to the Foundation Day speaker, Rev Dr Mar Pongener, General Secretary of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), the college Board of Trustees, representatives from the two donor villages and others.
An alumna of the 1994 batch, Ajungla Hesso, shared memories of her student life, calling the four years spent at Patkai “the most cherished and defining years” of her life.
“Today if I can stand here boldly to speak to all of you, it’s because Patkai has changed me, not just in academics but in spirit and confidence,” she said.
Remembering the late Margaret, Hesso added, “She led, cared, and gave her love. The vision ‘Light and Truth’ I will always carry wherever I go.”
The event also witnessed the customary presentation of one rooster and one kilogram of salt to the donor villages Chümoukedima and Seithekema in keeping with Angami tradition.
Expressing gratitude, the PCC (A) Board of Trustees Chairman Rev Kezhasito Terhüja (Zhabu) stated: “understood the vision and concept of this college. Without them the Foundation Day would not be possible.”
Honour & follow: Rev Dr Mar Pongener
Delivering the Foundation Day address, Rev Dr Pongener anchored his message on Hebrews 13:7, urging the community to remember the pioneers of the college, led by Rev Dr Shishak and his late wife, along with others who served in the past.
He noted that in 51 years, the college had achieved much not only in education but also in nurturing holistic development.
Its inclusion among the top 150 colleges in India under the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) in 2024 is one such testament, he maintained.
Alongside honouring the pioneers, Rev Dr Pongener urged the gathering to “consider the outcome of their way of life,” emphasising the importance of emulating their legacies.
He assured that the NBCC “will always be willing to partner with Patkai Christian College and extend support towards its mission and ministry.”
Earlier, the programme began with an invocation by Rev Dr Tuisem A Shishak, Founder and Principal Emeritus of PCC (A). The programme also featured a rendition of ‘I Can Tell the World’ by students of the college’s Margaret Shishak School of Music (MSSM), scripture readings by faculty members Akangsenla and Mhao Patton and concluded with a closing prayer by Rev Dr Vichükho Ngulha, Chaplain of PCC (A).
