Nagaland University celebrated the 80th Independence Day with a National Flag Hoisting Ceremony and a commemorative programme at its Headquarters in Lumami on Saturday.
The celebration began with the hoisting of the National Flag at Rajiv Gandhi Park, Nagaland University, Lumami.
The Flag Hoisting Ceremony was followed by an address by the Chief Guest, Prof Jagadish K Patnaik, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Nagaland University. Chief Guest Prof. Jagadish K Patnaik said “We’re into the 21st century, a quarter of the century is over, and yet, there are so many challenges. Independence is not mere freedom to be what we are. Independence is affording the opportunity to all to be what we are with the resources made available to us, every resource should be available through offering the opportunity, in this gigantic process of economic development”.
Vice Chancellor Prof Patnaik reflected on the achievements of economic development of the Country proudly standing amongst the few developed Countries where each assured with a good livelihood
Achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat, a fully developed India by the centenary of its independence in 2047, depending on expanding urban-level infrastructure to rural areas and harnessing the innovative potential of the nation’s youth.
Prof Patnaik said while India has achieved milestone progress in technology, space exploration, and deep tech, development remains concentrated in urban hubs. With just two decades remaining until 2047, he also said that closing the rural-urban divide is essential for balanced national growth.
He also emphasized the contribution of Gen Z in Nation building and encouraged the society and institution to support young entrepreneurs and researchers working in deep-tech sectors including,Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Semiconductor, Microchip Manufacturing, Aerospace Technology and Advanced Robotics.
He said, “To realize a developed India by 2047, our technological strides must translate into tangible resources for rural communities. Equipping our youth with the material support and societal encouragement they need will trigger true national transformation.”
He concluded by saying to sustain long-term economic momentum, regional stakeholders, educational institutions, and community leaders are urged to create dedicated platforms for youth innovation particularly across Northeast India.
The celebration thereafter continued at I Ihoshe Kinimi Hall, with Dr Lobeno Mozhui, Department of Zoology, serving as the Chairperson. Guru Sangyusang S. Pongener, Padma Shri 2026, attended the programme as the Guest of Honour.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Prof B Kilangla Jamir, Dean, School of Social Sciences followed by the felicitation of the distinguished guests. The celebration featured cultural performances by KV Lumami students, NUSU (L), MDRC students and NURSF (L), adding colour and vibrancy to the Independence Day.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Abemo, Registrar said,“India fought Independence for about 200 years from foreign rulers. They have fought and given us this days”, paying tribute to the nation’s forefathers and freedom fighters whose selfless sacrifices ended nearly two centuries of foreign colonial rule. He emphasized that the freedoms enjoyed today were hard-won and must be protected by current and future generations.
Highlighting the rich diversity of the attendees gathered under one roof, the Registrar noted that while students and staff hail from different cultural backgrounds, personalities, and walks of life, they share one primary identity: Indian.
He urged everyone to stand and fight for freedom from casteism,hatred and communalism,to sit together under one umbrella and also urged young Indians to take ownership of the country’s future by actively confronting these divisive forces.
Following the address by the Guest of Honour, Guru Sangyusang S. Pongener said “Today, the whole country is celebrating Independence Day. From the villages to the cities, from the mountains to the plains, the national flag is standing hoisted. And people all over our country are remembering the sacrifices of those who gave us the freedom that we enjoy today.”
Guru Sangyusang also said that Independence Day is being observed with great honor and dignity throughout the country, under the leadership of honorable Prime Minister,honorable Chief Minister here in Nagaland, and today, here in Nagaland University under the leadership of honorable Vice Chancellor. He acknowledged the university leadership, including the Vice Chancellor, alongside campus administrators and students.
He emphasized on the importance of preserving Oral Traditions and Indigenous Identity.He also shared his personal reflections on growing up deeply invested in the songs, dances, and oral narratives of Nagaland.
Reflecting on the Padma Shri Recognition,the Guest of honor expressed profound gratitude while emphasizing that the honor belongs to the community as a whole.
The speaker dedicated the recognition to the elders who served as custodians of knowledge, the previous generations who preserved indigenous traditions, and the broader community whose shared history continues to provide a deep sense of belonging and purpose.
He encouraged everyone to preserve their rich culture, heritage and traditional roots, as a symbol of preserving the memory and identity of a people.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Prof Ambrish Singh, HoD, Department of Chemistry, followed by the National Anthem
The celebration concluded with lunch at the Administrative Building, Nagaland University, Lumami.
The Independence Day celebration brought together the university community in a spirit of patriotism, unity and collective participation, reaffirming the importance of the values and responsibilities associated with the nation’s independence.
The ceremony was attended by students, teaching and non-teaching staff, KV staff and students, along with families and members of the university community.
