Nagaland and Bhutan colleges collaborate to celebrate diversity

In a bid to celebrate diversity and foster cultural understanding, a self-funded Cultural Exchange Program is set to kick off on 3 April 2024 at Fazl Ali College (FAC) in Mokokchung, themed “Strengthening Bonds, Celebrating Diversity.” The three-day exchange program marks a significant collaborative effort between Sherubtse College, Royal University of Bhutan, and Fazl Ali College (FAC), Mokokchung, Nagaland.

Internally managed by both institutions, a faculty member of FAC said that the initiative took shape without seeking support from the “parent department”. Despite initial challenges, a Terms of Reference (ToR) was successfully formalized on 17 November 2023 between the two colleges.

This ToR outlines the framework for exchanging academic materials, facilitating information sharing, hosting educational visits by faculty members and researchers, as well as facilitating student exchanges, among other activities. It also envisages holding international seminars and conferences, and conducting joint research projects. The agreement will be in effect for five years.

Reflecting on the process of finalizing the ToR, a faculty member involved in the program said that it took almost 9 months to obtain clearance from the state government for this Terms of Reference (MoU) between FAC & Sherubtse College while they were initially expecting it within a fortnight.

The program aims to not only enrich the educational experiences of students and faculty involved but also to promote cross-cultural dialogue and understanding.

Over three enriching days, participants will engage in a variety of activities designed to showcase the rich heritage, traditions, and values of both Bhutanese and Naga Cultures.

About Sherubtse College, Royal University of Bhutan

Sherubtse College, Bhutan’s oldest higher educational institution, was established in 1968 as Sherubtse High School, inaugurated by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Initially accommodating 23 students, it transitioned to offering undergraduate courses in 1983. Joining the Royal University of Bhutan in 2004 marked a significant milestone, leading to the expansion of its academic offerings, including degrees in Arts, Science, and Commerce.

Over time, Sherubtse has diversified its programs, introducing fields such as BSc in Mathematics and Physics, BA in Political Science and Sociology, and BA in Economics. The institution has also prioritized research, establishing centers like the Centre for Climate Change and Spatial Information and the Centre for Archaeology and Historical Research. To stay at the forefront of academic innovation, Sherubtse has recently introduced modern programs like BSc in Data Science and Data Analytics, BA in Economics and Political Science, and BA in Digital Communications and Project Management.

Committed to fostering a knowledge-based society, Sherubtse aspires to international recognition in Liberal Arts and Sciences, grounded in Gross National Happiness (GNH) values. Its mission is to provide quality tertiary education inspired by GNH values, contribute to knowledge creation and sharing, and advocate for societal development. Guided by core values including professionalism, innovation, passion for learning, and community service, Sherubtse College remains dedicated to academic excellence and cultural enrichment in Bhutan and beyond.

About Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung, Nagaland

Fazl Ali College, established on September 8, 1959, holds the distinction of being the oldest higher education institute in Nagaland. Initially a private college, it was later taken over by the Government of Nagaland in 1962.

Since its inception, the college has evolved into a leading institution affiliated with Nagaland University, offering BA/BSc General/Honours courses in 17 subjects, with the introduction of the science stream in 1983. The college’s mission is to foster higher learning and produce ethically sound, academically excellent graduates who can contribute to societal progress. This is achieved through a commitment to academic autonomy, ICT-enabled teaching-learning methods, and a focus on original research utilizing indigenous resources. Community engagement and collaboration are emphasized to contribute to nation-building efforts.

The vision of the college is to become a hub for multidisciplinary studies and indigenous research of national and international significance. This vision is supported by the college’s recent accreditation with an “A” grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in 2022, reaffirming its commitment to quality education.

The college aims to further enhance its offerings by integrating arts and humanities subjects for science students and vice versa, nurturing well-rounded and creative individuals. Fazl Ali College stands as a beacon of quality education in Nagaland, continually striving for excellence and innovation while remaining rooted in its commitment to serving its students and society at large.

Mokokchung Times