Fazl Ali College (FAC), Mokokchung, organised the second edition of its Annual Lecture Series on Tuesday to commemorate the college’s Founding Day and promote academic engagement and intellectual development.
Organised by the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), the lecture was held under the theme “Higher Education and the Philosophy of Gross National Happiness: Indigenous Perspectives on Well-being and Sustainability.”
Karma Yoezer, Head and Lecturer of the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at Sherubtse College, Royal University of Bhutan, delivered the lecture on Bhutan’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH), introduced under the vision of its Fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
Yoezer explained that development should be measured not merely through economic growth but also through people’s overall well-being. He outlined the four pillars of GNH: good governance, sustainable socio-economic development, preservation of culture and environmental conservation.
Relating the philosophy to higher education, he said institutional success should extend beyond pass percentages, enrolment, publications and accreditation to include students’ well-being and their contribution to society.
He highlighted the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge through oral histories and immersive learning, promoting research addressing local needs, creating balanced campus environments and strengthening community engagement. He stressed that higher education should prepare students not only for employment but also for meaningful participation in community life.
The lecture was followed by an interactive question-and-answer session on GNH, higher education and indigenous perspectives in contemporary society.
The programme was chaired by I. Narola Imchen, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Chemistry. Principal and IQAC chairperson I. Wati Imchen delivered the introductory address and released FAC Annual Lecture: Lecture Series I, Inaugural Edition 2025, documenting the first edition of the series.
