The North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR) celebrated its 9th Graduation-Cum-Foundation Day today, honoring the accomplishments of the Master of Social Work (MSW) Batch of 2022-2024. The ceremony was held at Bishop Abraham Memorial Hall, Peace Centre, 7th Mile, Chumoukedima with Dr. D. Gnanadurai, Vice Chancellor of St. Joseph University, Chumoukedima, as the Chief Guest and M. Rollan Lotha, Chief Operating Officer – Program, NSRLM, as the Special Guest. The event also witnessed the presence of distinguished guests, faculty, graduating students, and their families.
Dr. D. Gnanadurai, Vice Chancellor of St. Joseph University, Chumoukedima, delivered an inspiring address urged the graduates to become catalysts for peace and environmental responsibility. In his message to the graduating class, Dr. Gnanadurai emphasized the importance of translating theoretical knowledge into practical, transformative actions that could drive societal change.
Emphasizing peace as a foundational quality for social work, he encouraged graduates to cultivate a peaceful mindset that could resonate from within and radiate outwards to families, neighborhoods, and eventually the broader community. Drawing on the Global Peace Index, Dr. Gnanadurai highlighted the role of social workers as peacemakers and challenged graduates to study peaceful societies to gain insights that could be applied locally. “As peacemakers, you have a responsibility to resolve conflicts around you,” he said, reminding the graduates that peace begins with an individual’s own mindset.
Turning his focus to environmental responsibility, Dr. Gnanadurai emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change and protecting the environment for future generations. He encouraged graduates to promote awareness of environmental issues as a collective responsibility, underscoring the role of social workers in advocating for conservation and sustainability.
Reflecting on the concept of success, he advised graduates to find fulfillment through a positive attitude and inner satisfaction rather than external validation. “Success and failure are labels others give, but satisfaction is enduring,” he noted, urging the graduates to lead with joy, humility, and resilience, drawing inspiration from the life of Ratan Tata. In his closing, he redefined success as a journey marked by satisfaction, happiness, and a commitment to peace and the earth.
Special Guest M. Rollan Lotha, Chief Operating Officer for Programs at the Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM) in Kohima, inspired graduates of the Master of Social Work (MSW) program with a powerful message on personal growth, community transformation, and professional integrity. Lotha emphasized that social work is not only about serving communities but also about cultivating one’s character to embody hope, integrity, and purpose. “MSW is about more than just helping; it’s about transforming ourselves, growing in character, and becoming good human beings,” he stated, encouraging graduates to approach their profession with a mindset of continuous learning and self-improvement.
In his address, Lotha called on graduates to become agents of change in Nagaland’s diverse yet conflict-prone society, urging them to overcome divisive attitudes and to lead by example in fostering unity. “Nagaland is a land of diversity, but we also face many internal conflicts. It’s up to each of you to bring about positive change,” he noted, challenging graduates to address social issues and promote peace within their communities.
Highlighting the economic potential of Nagaland, Lotha pointed to agriculture as a promising yet underutilized sector. Despite 71% of Nagas being involved in farming, the sector contributes only 7% to the state’s GST revenue. He encouraged graduates to consider agriculture as a transformative career path that could uplift youth unemployment. Lotha advocated for the “Back to Land” initiative, suggesting it as a solution for economic self-reliance and a means of reconnecting with traditional practices. He praised NEISSR’s focus on social entrepreneurship, urging graduates to help shift Nagaland’s salary-based economy toward a more enterprise-driven approach.
Lotha also emphasized the importance of genuine partnerships with communities and encouraged collaboration with government bodies and NGOs to advance community development, stressing that social work should be grounded in respect and mutual cooperation. Reflecting on Nagaland’s fiscal challenges, he highlighted the need for graduates to contribute back to society meaningfully, urging for a sense of collective responsibility.
Lotha reminded the graduates that social work requires resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to ethical service. “I was trained as a social worker, and I survived to become who I am today. I fear God, not people,” he shared, encouraging graduates to lead lives marked by faith, resilience, and a dedication to community welfare.
Dr. Fr. C.P. Anto, Principal of NEISSR, in his welcome speech, honored faculty and staff for their commitment to shaping the graduates. Reflecting on NEISSR’s ten-year journey, he celebrated its impact in transforming individuals to address society’s needs. As Nagaland’s first MSW college and India’s first with a specialization in Peace and Conflict Transformation Studies, NEISSR equips students as “social doctors” to tackle social issues with knowledge, skills, and a commitment to peace and justice. He urged graduates to apply social work’s universal values, advocating for truth, peace, and justice in every context they encounter.
Tsulula K, former Vice President of SCSC, NEISSR, represented the outgoing batch expressed gratitude to the faculty and shared reflections on the transformative experiences and challenges overcome during their time at NEISSR.
Ethutsolo Naro was awarded the best Researcher, Pezangulie Suokhrie as the Philanthropist, Vevolu Kulla-O as the class topper, Tsulula K as the best fieldwork, James Phanungkiu was awarded as the best student of the year. The management acknowledged and congratulated Khenishe K Sumi for her outstanding achievement in receiving the prestigious JRF scholarship.
The ceremony commenced with an academic procession, which was followed by the National Anthem. Fr. Charles Kariyathil, Governing Board members of NEISSR, led the invocation. A traditional lamp-lighting ceremony was performed by the Special guest, members of the management, faculty, and president of SCSC- NEISSR. Joyba Sangtam, President of SCSC, NEISSR, presented a multimedia overview of NEISSR. The NEISSR Choir performed a special song.
The felicitation of the graduates, class of 2022-2024 was led by Dr. Abel Arina, Assistant Professor. A speech was delivered by the Best Student James Phanungkiu of the graduating batch. The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Rev. Fr. Lawrence Khing, Vice Principal and Administrator of NEISSR.
