The Fazl Ali College Teachers’ Association (FACTA) successfully organized its Golden Jubilee International Conference on the theme “Enduring Legacies, Emerging Visions: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Sustainability.” The conference was held at the college’s conference hall in Mokokchung, Nagaland, informed a press release from the college.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Yezer, Lecturer, Department of Geography and Planning, Sherubtse College, Royal University of Bhutan. In his keynote address, Dr. Yezer emphasized the importance of embracing cultural diversity and traditional knowledge as tools for addressing modern sustainability challenges.
Speaking on the theme “Enduring Legacies, Emerging Visions”, Dr. Yezer noted that by comparing different cultures, we can better understand the richness and complexity of our collective heritage. “Each culture offers unique themes, values, and practices,” he said, “and by looking into the past, we gain insights into how we can address today’s pressing issues, including climate change and ecological degradation.”
He highlighted the significance of sustainability as not just a contemporary trend, but a vital call to action. “It is not just a buzzword,” Dr. Yezer remarked, “but a commitment to shaping a shared, peaceful, and resilient future.”
Drawing from examples in Bhutan and India, Dr. Yezer discussed sustainable practices deeply rooted in indigenous traditions, such as agroforestry in Nagaland and Bhutan’s carbon-negative initiatives. He stressed the need for collaborative, multidisciplinary approaches to sustainability, as no single field of study can address the complexity of ecological and social challenges alone.
“Sustainability begins with each one of us,” he urged, “and every small action contributes to a larger movement. We must be the change-makers of tomorrow, guided by bold, inclusive policies and united in our vision for a better world.”
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Dr. I. Wati Imchen, Principal of Fazl Ali College, also underscored the importance of cultivating vision and responsibility among the younger generation. In his address, he called for living in harmony with nature—not as a distant ideal, but as a continuous journey shaped by shared values and collective effort.
Invited speakers included prominent academicians such as Dr. Ambrish Singh, Professor and Head, Department of Chemistry, Nagaland University; Bimal K. Chetri, Lecturer, Department of Environment and Life Sciences, Sherubtse College; Prof. L. Tongpang Longkumer, Professor, Department of Agronomy, Nagaland University; and Prof. Giribabu M., Professor and Head, Department of Economics, Mizoram University.
The valedictory address was given by Dr. Kevizai Tureng, Director, College Development Cell, Nagaland University, while the conference report was presented by Dr. Shokip Tumtin, Programme Secretary.
The conference saw the participation of 31 paper presenters, who shared research findings and insights across diverse disciplines, highlighting the growing relevance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing sustainability challenges.
The conference marked a significant moment in the college’s ongoing Golden Jubilee celebrations, offering a platform for meaningful academic exchange and reflection on the institution’s legacy and future direction.
