Baptist College, Kohima celebrated its 44th Freshers’ Day on June 30 at Ura Academy Hall under the theme, “New Beginnings, Endless Possibilities.” Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, attended the programme as the guest speaker.
Addressing the freshers, Buchem described college life as one of the best phases of life, offering both freedom and the responsibility to shape one’s future. Recalling his own college days, he encouraged the students to make the most of the opportunities before them and to use their freedom responsibly.
Speaking on the theme, he said every new beginning comes with uncertainty as well as possibility, and urged the students to embrace change with courage. Quoting American educator John Dewey, he said, “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself,” and reminded the students that education extends beyond textbooks, examinations and degrees, as it shapes both knowledge and character.
Buchem encouraged the students to focus on three pillars during their college years—learning, character and purpose. He urged them to think critically, remain curious, uphold integrity, honesty and compassion, and use their education not merely for personal advancement but for the betterment of their families, communities, the state and the nation. He encouraged the students not to be discouraged by failure, emphasising that resilience, perseverance, prayer and hard work are essential for success.
Highlighting the rapidly changing world shaped by artificial intelligence, technological advancement and entrepreneurship, he advised the students to become lifelong learners, remain adaptable and continue acquiring new skills. He also urged them to pursue excellence over perfection, value integrity over popularity, respect every individual regardless of their background and use their education to serve humanity.
Expressing appreciation for the role of teachers, Buchem said educators do more than impart knowledge they inspire, shape values and awaken potential. He concluded by encouraging the freshers to choose their friends wisely, use their freedom responsibly and strive to become wiser, kinder and stronger individuals whose education would positively impact the lives of others.
Earlier, Principal of Baptist College, Dr. Kekuchol Pusa, welcomed the freshers and congratulated them on securing admission to the undergraduate programme. He said Freshers’ Day is organised annually to officially welcome the new students and help them settle into the college environment. He also reminded the students about the internal assessment examinations beginning on July 6 and advised them to take both the internal assessment and end-semester examinations seriously, as students are required to secure the minimum qualifying marks separately in both components.
Delivering the welcome address, Students’ Council President, Thrunso K. welcomed the freshers to the Baptist College family and encouraged them to embrace new friendships, experiences and opportunities. Speaking on behalf of the freshers, Donensangle of B.A. First Semester, Department of English, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and assured that the freshers would uphold the values of the institution, work diligently in their studies and contribute positively to the college community.
The programme was chaired by Assistant Professor, Department of History, Tabitha K. Assumi. Invocation was offered by Assistant Professor, Department of History, Asilie Rürhia, while the welcome song was presented by the fifth semester students. The programme also featured the introduction of Mr. and Miss Freshers contestants and a special musical performance titled “Spend It With You.” The vote of thanks was delivered by General Secretary of the Students’ Council, Sezono Temi, and the programme concluded with a prayer by College Chaplain, Tamreimung Chüsi.
(Molungnenla, IA Kohima)
