The District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) Mokokchung celebrated its Fresher’s Day on Thursday, September 25, under the theme ”Autumn Glow,” formally welcoming a new batch of 27 trainees into the institution.
Kedoneiu Sachu, Principal of DIET Mokokchung, officially welcomed the freshers, remarking that “well begun is half-done.” Stating that “the journey of a million mile has just begun,” he said the two-year diploma course will combine theory and practical training, with a focus on engaging trainees to teach in government schools.
The program featured speeches, song presentations, and blessings for the new batch. Imlinochet, a second-year trainee, delivered the welcome address, while Longthung Phom spoke on behalf of the freshers. A solo presentation was given by Toshimenla, and the blessings were offered by Chubarenla, Vice Principal of DIET Mokokchung.
The titles of Mr and Miss Fresher were awarded to Longthung Phom and Nukshisenla respectively.
On the sidelines of the event, Principal Sachu shared with Mokokchung Times that while DIET Mokokchung has a capacity of 50 trainees, the current enrollment is only 27, of which just three are men. He noted that the number of male applicants has drastically declined since 2020, calling it “a puzzle.” “I wonder what happened to the gents. Before 2020, although less, we had at least somehow equal numbers with very few differences, but all of a sudden now it is 40:5 women: men or 40:2,” he remarked.
The Principal observed that the fall in enrollment could be linked to diminishing job prospects in the teaching profession. “The decline may be because people see that there is no job prospect, reflecting on the recruitment policy of teachers. We need a proper recruitment policy to inspire more students to teach,” he opined.
Despite this, he was optimistic about the quality of students. An educator since the 1990s, Sachu noted that trainees today are more skilled, communicative, and sincere compared to earlier times.