The annual conference of the Government College Principals was held at Conference Hall, Directorate of Higher Education, Kohima on 18th November 2022. Minister, of Higher Education and Tribal Affairs, Temjen Imna Along graced the occasion as the special guest.
Along stated that the Higher Education Department has been working with moral responsibility in building the lives of students, which are the human capital resources of the state. He said Nagaland being one of the most literate states in the country is an achievement of educators. The Minister asked the gathering not to count only their weakness but to remind themselves of the commitment with which they are set to work. He also urged them to mold themselves to changing times.
The Minister lamented that despite being a literate state, Nagaland has a very low Human Development Index and an unemployment problem among many other problems. He stressed the need to turn the human capital resources into assets of the state. He stated that Nagas are going through a threshold: politically, traditionally, socially, and economically. He called on the need to build a new, strong, and vibrant Nagaland.
Director of Higher Education, Dr. Katoni Jakhalu stated that the teaching profession is a privilege but it comes with great responsibility. She said that teachers are the molders and shapers of the younger generation, who have the potential to be the State's assets or its biggest liability. Dr. Jukhalu also highlighted various issues caused due to online classes & exams. She called upon the gathering to be hands-on educators, mentors, and guardians of the youth. She encouraged them to strive to emulate Bhutan in the happiness index on their respective campuses and create the right environment for the campuses or community to be rooted in social & moral responsibility.
Meritorious service award for both teaching faculty & ministerial staff was also given during the programme. The following were the awardees of 2022: Dr. Evothung Ezung, Assistant Professor, Kohima College, Kohima; Dr. Lanurenla, Assistant Professor, Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung; Dr. Mahabir Jha, Assistant Professor, Yingli College, Longleng; Teisovi Gerald Meyase, Assistant Professor, Kohima Science College (A) Jotsoma, Kohima; Dr. Purna Chandra, Assistant Professor, Zisaji Presidency College, Kiphire; Sevelu, Mali, Kohima College, Kohima; Zuluwati, Attendant, Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung; Besuta Venyo, LDA cum Computer Asst, Phek Govt. College, Phek; Hingtalak, Chowkidar, Peren Govt. College, Peren; Z. Bushem Phom, Sr.HA, Yingli Govt. College, Longleng; Benedict Ed. Shitio, UDA, Directorate of Higher Education, Nagaland. The award is given out once every three years to the employees under the Department of Higher Education. It comes along with a certificate and cash of Rs. 30,000/- for a teaching faculty awardee and Rs. 20,000/- a for ministerial staff awardee.
The programme was chaired by Additional Director, Higher Education, Dr. Lily Sema while Joint Director (P&B), Nokyanla proposed the vote of thanks.
Sessions on orientation on API scores under CAS & APAR and the role & responsibilities of an HoD & DDO were taken up during the day.
(Wepre Kronu, APRO)
