Cultural Day at People’s College highlights new beginnings

The students, faculty, and staff of People’s College, Mokokchung, dressed in their traditional finery, filled the college auditorium on August 17, 2024. The sound of drums echoed as the People’s College Students’ Union (PCSU) delivered a grand opening, showcasing the diverse traditional attire of each community they represented.

This year’s Cultural Day was not just a celebration of heritage; it marked the first under the leadership of a new management team, whose vision for the college has begun to take shape.

“The college has undergone great changes. Our facilities, such as the library and textbooks, have increased, and we’ve seen a lot of renovations,” said Gracey, a BA 5th Semester student.

Other students, Nungshikala and Easter, who are both freshers, shared their satisfaction with the faculty. “Our teachers are very good,” they said, expressing happiness with the unity within the college.

Dr. T Amongla, Principal of People’s College, Mokokchung, acknowledged the significant changes and improvements. “We are optimistic that it will only get better,” she added.

The college is set to move to its new campus at Mongsenbai Ward, adjacent to the Community Hall.

The Cultural Day celebration, hosted by Salangyala, featured a variety of cultural displays. Moalong, a 1st Semester student, recited a poem, followed by a cultural attire display by the PCSU.

Tsukti Longkumer, President of  the Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI) and Member of the Board of Governors of the college, exhorted the students to take pride in their cultures and traditions. He encouraged the gathering to honor their mother languages and dispel the misconception that not knowing one’s mother tongue is more dignified. He emphasized that language is a key part of one’s identity.

Longkumer also critiqued the assumption that someone who works hard is less dignified compared to someone who commands. He challenged the gathering to work hard and strive for excellence, and he also encouraged the practice of honesty in its purest form.

The program included an invocation and benediction by Limajungla and Alem Jamir, respectively, and concluded with a small feast.

People’s College has a long-standing history in Mokokchung District. Established in 1984, it began on the premises of Government High School, Dilong, offering evening classes to cater to the growing number of employed adult students whose work schedules prevented them from attending day classes. At that time, students were voluntarily taught by professors from FAC.

The college later moved to its current campus in Kumlong Ward, located in the heart of Mokokchung town. Backed by a group of dedicated well-wishers through their contributions and donations, People’s College established itself as a full-fledged college, evolving from what was once known as a “night college” to welcoming full-time students.

The PCSU also presented a folk song, followed by an Ao Naga song performed by faculty and staff. Easter enthralled the audience with her solo dance, while various folklores and tales were narrated by students from different communities. A heartwarming moment was when a Sumi Naga student recited a Sumi folktale in the Ao language, embodying the spirit of cultural diversity.

The students also attempted a war cry, and the event concluded with a tug-of-war between the faculty and students, with the teachers winning the game.

In 1996, Nagaland University granted the college degree provisional affiliation, facilitating major degrees in all departments under the humanities. The college is currently awaiting accreditation by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), in line with its aim to establish itself as a center of academic excellence.

MT