Nagaland University inaugurated its new international Student and International Research Scholars Hostels at Lumami on August 25.
The chairperson of the event Yanrenthung Ezung, CoE, greeted all the attendees, including the esteemed Chief Guest, Satinder Kumar Bhalla, Secretary of the Northeastern Council (NEC), and the special guest, Som Kamei, the Planning Adviser of the NEC. He also acknowledged the presence of the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor JK Patnaik, Registrar Dr. Abemo, Finance Officer, N Albert Khizho, deans, directors, heads, officers, teachers and everyone present on the occasion. He also extended his welcome to state government officials from the Planning Department, including Tinu Kumzak, Planning Officer from Dimapur, and officials from the district administration of Akuloto and Mokokchung.
The inaugural program officially began with a traditional welcome song performed by Vieneito-O Koza and her friends. This was followed by a brief project report from Er Rukusayi Rhakho, the Executive Engineer of Nagaland University. He provided specific details of the “Construction of International Students and Research Scholar Hostel at Lumami” project, noting that it was funded by the NEC with a total cost of 4.76 crores.
The engineer confirmed that the two identical buildings each have a total built area of 270.55 square meters and a capacity of 20 seats, bringing the total student capacity to 40 seats. He highlighted that the project, which began in June 2021, was completed in December 2024, addressing a pressing need for student accommodation on campus.
Following the report, a prayer was led by Eziza Sumi, Chaplain of the Nagaland University Christian Fellowship, Lumami, invoking God’s blessings on the new buildings. The ceremony then proceeded to the symbolic ribbon-cutting and plaque unveiling, formally inaugurating the new hostels.
Following the ceremonial inauguration, the attendees proceeded to the Conference Hall Administration Building for the formal program. The program began with a gesture of appreciation, as the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof JK Patnaik, and Registrar, Dr Abemo, presented a small token of appreciation to Satinder Kumar Bhalla and Som Kamei, respectively.
In his speech, Dr. Abemo expressed that it was a “great day for the University” and highlighted the significance of the NEC Secretary’s first-ever visit to the Nagaland University headquarter. He acknowledged the university’s long-standing infrastructure challenges and thanked the NEC for its past support on various funded projects.
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Dr Abemo also took the opportunity to place a request on behalf of the university, asking for NEC’s assistance in constructing three futsal grounds to attract both students and employees to the campus. Furthermore, he requested help with building more hostels for students of the School of Engineering and Technology (SET) to support their recent shift to the main campus in Kohima.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof JK Patnaik emphasized the momentous and blessed nature of the occasion, reiterating the critical shortage of accommodation. He announced ambitious plans for the future, including the construction of 20 more buildings and other essential facilities over the next two years.
Prof Patnaik also took pride in highlighting the university’s recent academic and research achievements, informing the guests that four faculty members were ranked among the top 2% of scientists in Stanford rankings and that the number of PhD student admissions had increased several-fold.
In addition to academic excellence, he mentioned the students’ success in sports, citing the university’s achievements as runners-up in the Eastern University Football and Girls’ Badminton championships.
Prof Patnaik concluded his speech by reinforcing the university’s focus on holistic development to contribute to the nation’s progress.
Chief Guest, Satinder Kumar Bhalla congratulated the university on its successful completion of the hostels, praising its recent academic achievements, including the grant of over 150 patents, which he called “not a joke.” He spoke of the university’s vital role in creating future leaders who will contribute to the vision of a “Viksit Bharat,” and advised them to explore additional funding streams from alumni and the private sector.
Following the Secretary’s speech, Som Kamei, the Planning Adviser of NEC, provided his remarks. He expressed his full alignment with the Secretary’s thoughts and his personal happiness with Nagaland University’s progress. He reiterated the importance for academic institutions to attract investors from the private sector and leverage corporate social responsibility (CSR) to secure funding.
The programme concluded with an interaction session between the esteemed guests and the university’s officers and faculties.
