Mokokchung College of Teacher Education (MCTE), Yimyu inaugurated its new academic building on Friday, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey and its continued efforts towards strengthening teacher education in Nagaland.
Minister for Higher Education and Tourism, Temjen Imna Along, graced the occasion as the Special Guest. Government officials, representatives from neighbouring villages, officials of the AKM, faculty members, staff, student teachers and invited guests attended the programme.
Addressing the gathering, Temjen Imna Along highlighted the significance of the new infrastructure in strengthening teacher education in Nagaland. He described the new academic building as a “big achievement” not only for MCTE but also for the people of Nagaland, the local community, Khensa village and the student teachers.
Reflecting on the significance of institutions beyond their physical infrastructure, the Minister stated, “Institutions are not just the buildings that you see. Institution is the ideology of resilience that you prove again and again.”
He emphasised that despite Nagaland’s small population in comparison to the vast population of India, the State must continue to strive for excellence and work towards creating opportunities for its people.
He further observed, “In the midst of the multitude of the nation of India, where 1.5 billion people are there and we are only two million, we choose to work hard to bring our people up to the level where intellectuals, academicians, professors and scientists would emerge out of us.”
The Minister also announced that a 40-bedded girls’ hostel is to come up under PM-USHA, further expanding the infrastructural facilities of the institution. He expressed hope that future infrastructure development would focus on quality and effective utilisation of available spaces, including ensuring that classrooms and other facilities are put to meaningful use.
Emphasising the vital role of teachers, Temjen described teachers as “soldiers to build the future community” and encouraged them to carry out their responsibilities with dedication.
In her address, the Principal, Dr Alemla Longkumer traced the history of MCTE from its beginnings in 2012 at the DIET campus, noting that three acres of land were acquired in 2013. Dr Alemla also expressed her sincere appreciation to the Khensa Village Council and Yimyu Ward council for their continued support and protection extended to the college, noting that their cooperation has contributed to creating a safe, secure and conducive environment for the institution, its faculty, staff and student teachers.
She particularly acknowledged the contribution of Minister Temjen Imna Along, whose support since 2018 has significantly contributed to the developmental journey of the college. By 2019, an additional two acres of land had been acquired, enabling the institution to reach the land requirement prescribed by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE).
Dr Alemla stated that the inauguration of the new academic building had been made possible through the vision and support of the Minister and other stakeholders. She further emphasised that continued support would be necessary to develop MCTE into an excellent professional institution, particularly as the college caters not only to the local community but also to student teachers from other districts and states.
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Adding a cultural dimension to the celebration, the student teachers presented a special number titled “Tangula Tasen (New Breath),” symbolising renewal, hope and a new beginning for the institution.
A short speech was delivered by Dr Hukato Swu, Joint Director, Planning, Budget & Accounts, Directorate of Higher Education, Government of Nagaland. Recalling the difficulties faced by MCTE in
2019, Dr Swu highlighted that the institution had been on the verge of de-recognition at the time.
He acknowledged the support of government officials under the leadership of the Minister and the leadership of Principal Dr T Alemla Longkumer in helping the institution overcome those challenges and reach its present position.
Encouraging the student teachers, Dr Swu emphasised that they were no less capable or worthy than students studying elsewhere and urged them to make full use of the opportunities and facilities available at MCTE.
The Technical Report on the construction of the academic building was presented by Er. Vikhepu Yeptho, Executive Engineer, Public Works Department (Housing). The report provided a detailed overview of the construction project, tracing its development from its inception and highlighting the various stages involved in bringing the new academic building to completion.
The Note of Gratitude was proposed by Kerilhusa Peseyie, Assistant Professor and Coordinator,
IQAC, MCTE, who expressed appreciation to the Minister, officials, guests and all those who contributed to the successful completion and inauguration of the new academic building.
