SAS Nagaland University marks 49th Foundation Day

Medziphema, October 23 (MExN): The School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus on Friday celebrated its 49th Foundation Day cum Alumni Meet, sponsored by the 11th Alumni Batch.The programme commenced with an invocation by Dr Tsarila ZT Sangtam, followed by the welcome address delivered by Prof L Tongpang Longkumer, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (In-charge), Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus, stated a press release. He welcomed the special guest, Prof M Aleminla Ao, Former Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Nagaland University, and the alumni members, and expressed gratitude to the 11th Alumni Batch for sponsoring the celebration. He also announced the inclusion of B.Voc. students in the SAS Alumni Association to strengthen alumni engagement across academic programmes.Delivering the Foundation Day Lecture on the theme “Agricultural Entrepreneurship: A Catalyst for the Farming Community,” Prof M Aleminla Ao fondly recalled the achievements of SAS alumni in politics, administration, research, academia and entrepreneurship, and urged them to remain connected with their alma mater. Emphasising the potential of agricultural entrepreneurship, she encouraged farmers, rural youth, women, self-help groups and agricultural graduates to explore opportunities in value addition, marketing and agriculture-based enterprises, while expressing concern over rural youth migration. She also underscored the potential of Northeast India in organic production and indigenous agricultural resources, and referred to the vision of former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on the role of agricultural entrepreneurs in transforming rural livelihoods.The programme featured a special segment titled “Reminiscence (Down Memory Lane)” presented by the 11th Alumni Batch, during which Rongsenlemzung Jamir, Additional Director, Soil and Water Conservation, Government of Nagaland, shared memories and words of encouragement. A special song was presented by the SAS Alumni, coordinated by Dr Chubatemsu and Dr Imliakum Ao.Alumni Awards were presented to recognise academic excellence and outstanding student achievements, facilitated by Dr Narola Pongener, President of the Alumni Association School of Agricultural Sciences (AASAS). Aysha Parween received the Alumni Award for Academic Excellence for securing an OGPA of 8.59, comprising a cash prize of Rs 20,000 and a certificate. Lijanbeni Y Ovung received the Peri Om Pun Excellence Award (OGPA 8.83), Neisinuo Shine Kiso the R2 Seeds Excellence Award (OGPA 8.58), Wapangnaro S Imsong the Lt. Cherish Ch. Marak Excellence Award (OGPA 8.60), Devesh Verma the Lt. Toshili Sema Excellence Award (OGPA 8.33) and Ketholesie Yalietsu the Parag Das Choudhury Excellence Award (OGPA 7.37). Each award comprised Rs 10,000 and a certificate.The formal session was chaired by Dr J Akato Chishi, Senior Technical Assistant, Department of Entomology and Vice-President, NUNTSA, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Prof. Pauline Alila, Dean, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University.