Oriental Theological College Yangli, on Friday held the 23rd Commencement Service for its graduating students at Center Baptist Church, Yangli, Tuensang district.

Rev. C. Lima Sangtam, the commencement speaker in his reminded the graduating batch that the Passport is required to travel outside one’s country and likewise, “Christ is our Passport to go out to the world and preach the gospel.” He told the graduates that their journey with the Gospel, just like the scripture said, will not be an easy task therefore he urged them to be always watchful and prayerful and be prepared to face the wolves of life.

Rev. Lima said that at one’s low moments, blaming others for the problems becomes an easy solution but a great man once said the problem might be within oneself and so one should re-examine and retrospect in life. “It takes both sun and rain to grow a plant,” he said.

“Your attitude is more important than your capabilities,” he exhorted, reminding them to maintain a positive attitude, transparency, have moral values and keep learning. Make the Bible your best friend, he added.

Rev. C. Lima Sangtam, the commencement speaker.

Raju, one of the graduating students told Nagaland Tribune that he was blessed to be part of OTC and Nagas. A native of Assam, Raju said he had wonderful experiences to take away from his stay at Yangli.

Setila Sangtam, a current student shared that she will miss the outgoing seniors with whom she learnt a several good principles but wished them all the best in their future endeavours.

Oriental Theological College started its journey in the year 1980 as a vernacular Bible School at Yangli Mission Centre. Later the school got upgraded to a full-fledged college.

Rozila A, speaking on behalf of the graduates thanked the Principal Chumpongse Anar and College Dean for their honest direction and guidance in the years past. She also thanked the Board of Directors for providing a good space for the learners to grow in peace, the church, families, sponsors and philanthropists.

OTC awards

• Academic Proficiency Award – Rozila
  This award is awarded for academic excellence and is sponsored by the family members of Dr. C. Chemtingla in remembrance of her late brother C. Müwali Sangtam.
• Rev. Litsase Award for Leadership – Shangpila
  This award is given in recognition of leadership abilities and is sponsored by the family members of Rev. Litsase, a graduate of the Impur Bible School, who was the first local Field Supervisor for Sangtam Association.On 21st January 1959, Yangli was officially dedicated and established mission works under his leadership. He pioneered the establishment of Mission Centre at Yangli.
  

  Graduates of Oriental Theological College Yangli on 21 April 2023.

• Rev. Chotsimong Award for Preaching – KhumcholaThis award is given in recognition of a student’s performance in preaching the Gospel and is sponsored by the family members of Rev. Chotsimong who is known as an outstanding preacher.He started his ministry at United Sangtam Baptist Lithroti Ashimükhong from 1962 as an evangelist. From 1979-1997, he was the Executive Secretary of USBLA.
• Lanuyanger Award for Bible Knowledge – Rozi AThis award is presented in recognition of performance in Scripture knowledge and is sponsored by the family members of Late Lanuyanger, who was the Field Director of from 1972-1975 and translated the Holy Bible into Sangtam language from 1983-1992.Born on 15 May 1946 at Chimonger Village, he obtained B.Th from Eastern Theological College, BD from Union Biblical Seminary and M.Th from South Asia Institute of Advanced Christian Studies, Bangalore.He served as Associate Executive Secretary of USBLA from 1995 till his untimely demise on 2 May 1997. He was an intellectual person who engaged in critical thinking, research and reflection about society and gained authority as a public figure.
• Sekyüling Award for Mission & Evangelism– LitsalaThis award is sponsored by the family members of late Sekyüling, who was the first among the Sangtams to be converted to Christianity. He was baptized by Dr. J.R Bailey at Impur in 1912. Christianity took its inception in the Sangtam area through Sekyüling, a native of Tsarü village on 14 June 1918. He established the first church in the area in his own village.

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Earlier, the programme began with invocation by Surotsala, Christian Education Secretary, USBLA, Yangli. Scripture reading was done by Liyangpi, Lecturer.

Er Alongse opening a welcome speech extended a warm welcome to Rev. C. Lima Sangtam and his wife for rendering his faithful service to OTC once again.

The Degrees were presented by Hopichem, Academic Dean and conferred by Chumpongse Anar, the outgoing Principal of OTC, Yangli for whom a farewell programme was held just the previous day.

Read more: Tuensang: Chumpongse Anar leaves OTC Yangli, College wishes outgoing visionary Principal the best