Fazl Ali College celebrated its 67th Foundation Day at the college auditorium on September 8, with Senior Superintendent of Police, Mokokchung, Vesupra Kezo, NPS, calling on students to build character, exercise responsibility and use technology wisely.
Addressing the gathering as guest of honour, Kezo congratulated the college community and acknowledged the contributions of its pioneers and former members. He said the foundation day was an occasion to “remember, honour, celebrate and look forward to a brighter future”.
Describing a college as more than infrastructure and facilities, Kezo called it a “temple of new ideas and innovations” where young people can discover possibilities and imagine a better society. He stressed that “privileges come with responsibilities” and said education should prepare students for life by teaching them to think independently and contribute to society.
Kezo also highlighted the challenges posed by drug abuse, cybercrime and emerging technologies. He cautioned students that one wrong decision involving drugs can affect not only an individual but also relationships and the wider community, urging them to protect their dreams, friends and community.
On artificial intelligence, Kezo said that although people today have access to vast amounts of information, “information is not wisdom”. He urged students to use technology as a means to learn, create and build rather than cause harm.
“AI should not be a threat,” he said, adding that it should enhance human thinking rather than be allowed to think on behalf of people.
He stressed that technology cannot replace discipline, character and responsibility and urged students to cultivate integrity, empathy, compassion, creativity and humanity. He also cautioned them against allowing technology to determine their self-worth.
Kezo said the true identity of Fazl Ali College lies in the character, discipline and respect demonstrated by its students. “The true test of education comes when society judges on how one has achieved and not what one has achieved,” he said.
Principal Dr. I. Wati Imchen, in the Foundation Day address, highlighted the college’s achievements, activities and development over the years.
The programme included the felicitation of meritorious students in various categories. Imnajungla received the CAAT Award and Linnaeus Award, while Nengphangi of Botany and Lehnyu of History received the Late Dr. Longrizung Award for Academic Excellence. Imlimenla O received the Dr. A.K. Chaudhary Excellence Award, Wapangienla the Dr. Watimongla Pongener Award, Tarenkala the Dr. R. Bendangtemjen Award, Tianungla the Dr. Imcharenla Award, Nungtetmenla the Tiarenla Aier Award and Temjenmenla Pongen the Dr. Lanurenla Academic Award.
Departmental excellence awards went to Moarenla of Education, Lehnyu Konyak of History, Ngeplong Wangsa of Political Science and Tsuktisosang of Sociology.
University toppers recognised included Temjenmenla Pongen, Rank 1 in Ao; Tarenkala Y Lemtur, Rank 1 in Geography; Imlimenla O, Rank 1 in Mathematics; Tsuktisosang, Rank 7 in Sociology; Imkongtula Jamir, Rank 4 in Zoology; Merenrenla, Rank 5 in Zoology; Naong Mansa C, Rank 6 in Zoology; Tasakala, Rank 7 in Zoology; and Redila, Rank 10 in Zoology.
The Evangelical Union Student of the Year Award 2026 was presented to Thailung Phom, while Aosashi Kichu received the FAC Alumni Association Student of the Year Award. Three NCC cadets were also recognised for outstanding performance.
The programme was chaired by Dr. Shokip Tumtin, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, and featured a special song by the Music Club and a drama by the Drama Club.
