The 25th Commencement Service of Oriental Theological College (OTC) was held on April 15 at Centre Baptist Church, Yangli. The program was attended by church leaders, faculty members, students, parents, and well-wishers.
The Commencement Address was delivered by Dr. Alem P. Sangtam, Associate Pastor of Sangtam Baptist Church, Dimapur. He spoke on the topic “Higher Calling is a Holy Calling.” He congratulated all the graduating students for their hard work and dedication and also thanked the parents and sponsors for their support. He encouraged the graduates by sharing the story of Moses from the Bible.
Dr. Alem said that Moses was not perfect, and even made excuses when God called him. But God still chose him to lead the people of Israel from the wilderness to the Promised Land. He reminded the graduates that just like Moses, they too have received a higher calling from God. He advised them to be obedient, humble, faithful, and courageous as they begin their journey into ministry, further studies, or other fields. He said, “The same God who helped Moses will help you too.”
Led by Thangsela, a lecturer at OTC, the event began with an opening prayer by Yangthsingli, Pastor of Chare Town Baptist Lithro. A warm welcome address was given by T. Kirithong Sangtam, Chairman of the Board of Directors (BoD), Oriental Theological College.
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In his speech, the Chairman made several important announcements:
-OTC will be launching the first-ever Master of Divinity (M.Div) program in Eastern Nagaland, starting from the academic year 2025–26.
-The first batch of M.Div students will be given free admission as a special gesture.
-OTC has set up a fully digital library with over 48,000 books, making it one of the best-equipped libraries in the region.
-Two new teachers will be appointed by June 2025 to strengthen the faculty team.
He assured that OTC students will receive equal rights and opportunities like students in any other college. The Board of Directors also thanked all the donors who have supported and helped the college grow.
Scripture readings were taken from the Bible by Liyangpi, Lecturer of Old Testament, and Mushirhülü, Lecturer of New Testament. The B.Th II students presented a special number.
The conferring of diplomas was conducted by Dr. C. Chemtingla Sangtam, the Principal of OTC, and presented by L. Hopichum, Academic Dean. The Academic Dean also presented awards to outstanding students. Rev. Y. Imtiba, Executive Secretary of USBLA let the Act of Dedication while the Graduating Class of 2025 sang a Song of Commitment, dedicating themselves to serve God and others. The program ended with a closing prayer by Throngethsing, Youth Secretary of USBLA.
After the main program, Rev. Y. Imtiba also dedicated the newly completed second floor of the OTC Girls’ Hostel, which will help improve the living conditions for the female students.
