The Fazl Ali College Teachers’ Association (FACTA) successfully organized its Golden Jubilee International Conference on the theme “Enduring Legacies, Emerging Visions: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Sustainability.” The conference was held at the college’s conference hall in Mokokchung, Nagaland.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Yezer, Lecturer in the Department of Geography and Planning, Sherubtse College, Royal University of Bhutan. In his address, Dr. Yezer emphasized the importance of embracing cultural diversity and traditional knowledge as tools to address modern sustainability challenges.
Speaking on the theme “Enduring Legacies, Emerging Visions,” he noted that by comparing different cultures, we can better understand the richness and complexity of our collective heritage. “Each culture offers unique themes, values, and practices,” he said, “and by looking into the past, we gain insights into how we can address today’s pressing issues, including climate change and ecological degradation.”
Dr. Yezer highlighted the significance of sustainability as more than a contemporary trend, calling it a vital commitment to shaping a shared, peaceful, and resilient future. “It is not just a buzzword,” he remarked, “but a commitment to shaping a shared, peaceful, and resilient future.”
Drawing from examples in Bhutan and India, he discussed sustainable practices rooted in indigenous traditions, such as agroforestry in Nagaland and Bhutan’s carbon-negative initiatives. He stressed the need for collaborative, multidisciplinary approaches to sustainability, stating that no single field of study can address the complexity of ecological and social challenges alone.
“Sustainability begins with each one of us,” he urged, “and every small action contributes to a larger movement. We must be the change-makers of tomorrow, guided by bold, inclusive policies and united in our vision for a better world.”
Dr. I. Wati Imchen, Principal of Fazl Ali College, also underscored the importance of cultivating vision and responsibility among the younger generation. In his address, he called for living in harmony with nature—not as a distant ideal, but as a continuous journey shaped by shared values and collective effort.
Invited speakers included prominent academicians such as Dr. Ambrish Singh, Professor and Head, Department of Chemistry, Nagaland University; Mr. Bimal K. Chetri, Lecturer, Department of Environment and Life Sciences, Sherubtse College; Prof. L. Tongpang Longkumer, Professor, Department of Agronomy, Nagaland University; and Prof. Giribabu M., Professor and Head, Department of Economics, Mizoram University.
The valedictory address was delivered by Dr. Kevizai Tureng, Director of the College Development Cell, Nagaland University, while the conference report was presented by Dr. Shokip Tumtin, Programme Secretary.
The conference saw the participation of 31 paper presenters who shared research findings and insights across diverse disciplines, highlighting the growing relevance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing sustainability challenges.
The event marked a significant milestone in the college’s ongoing Golden Jubilee celebrations, offering a platform for meaningful academic exchange and reflection on the institution’s legacy and future direction.