Nagaland University on Thursday (October 23) inaugurated its Cancer Research Laboratory at the Department of Zoology, Lumami, marking a major milestone in the University’s efforts to advance scientific research and address the growing burden of cancer in the region. The launch was followed by a one-day workshop aimed at familiarizing participants with the laboratory’s facilities and research focus.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Prof. Jagadish Kumar Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University, as the Chief Guest, and Dr. Abemo, Registrar of Nagaland University, as the Guest of Honour. The programme was chaired by Dr. Ramita Sougrakpam, Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology.
The inaugural session began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and an inspection of the newly established laboratory, during which the Chief Guest was briefed on the laboratory facilities and available equipment.
Delivering the welcome address, Prof. Bendang Ao emphasized the urgent need to focus on cancer research due to the alarming rise in cancer cases in Nagaland, particularly gastrointestinal cancers. Drawing from personal experience, he spoke about the profound impact of the disease on families and communities. He lauded the efforts of Prof. Ranjit Kumar for conceptualizing the Cancer Research Lab and expressed gratitude to the University administration and engineering team for their unwavering support. He further expressed optimism that Nagaland University would soon emerge as a centre of excellence in cancer research.
In his address, Prof. Ranjit Kumar highlighted data from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which show Nagaland ranking first in nasopharyngeal cancer and second in oral cancer in India, with notable incidences of oesophageal and colon cancers. He pointed out that the actual burden may be even higher, as many cases go unreported. Encouraging students to pursue research in this field, he emphasized that cancer research must be indigenous and locally driven. He noted that the new laboratory will facilitate cancer cell line studies and the development of potential therapeutic formulations using resources available within the department, including its animal house.
In his address, the Guest of Honour, Dr. Abemo, expressed gratitude to Almighty God for the successful launch of the Cancer Research Lab and commended the Vice-Chancellor’s vision for fostering scientific innovation within the University. With a light-hearted remark referencing the evolution of science, he underscored the importance of scientific progress for the betterment of humanity. He encouraged collaborative efforts between the department and healthcare institutions to work toward a cancer-free society, noting that Nagaland University holds immense potential in contributing to cancer prevention and cure.
The Chief Guest, Prof. Jagadish Kumar Patnaik, in his address, shared personal reflections on how cancer had profoundly affected his own family, having lost close relatives to the disease. He reaffirmed his dedication to advancing scientific research and innovation at Nagaland University, urging faculty and students to pursue excellence through research and publication. He further encouraged scholars to document and explore traditional healing practices by engaging with kobiraz (local healers) to identify potential natural remedies, suggesting the possibility of recognizing and patenting such indigenous knowledge. Prof. Patnaik expressed his enduring emotional connection to Nagaland, assuring continued support for the University’s scientific initiatives.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Pukhrambam Rajesh Singh, Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, who extended gratitude to all dignitaries, faculty members, and participants for their contributions to the success of the event. Ongaroni Ngullie, a research scholar from the Department of Zoology, served as the rapporteur.
