The School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus, celebrated its 49th Foundation Day cum Alumni Meet. The celebration was sponsored by the 11th Alumni Batch.
The programme commenced with an invocation by Dr Tsarila ZT Sangtam, followed by the welcome address delivered by Prof L Tongpang Longkumer, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (In-charge), Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus. He welcomed the special guest, Prof M Aleminla Ao, Former Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Nagaland University and the alumni members. He expressed gratitude to the 11th Alumni Batch for sponsoring the celebration and announced the inclusion of BVoc. students in the SAS Alumni Association to strengthen alumni engagement across academic programmes. The welcome address was followed by a welcome song presented by the EU Choir.
The Foundation Day Lecture was delivered by Prof M Aleminla Ao, Former Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Nagaland University, on the theme “Agricultural Entrepreneurship: A Catalyst for the Farming Community.”
Reflecting on her association with SAS, Prof Ao expressed her deep attachment to the institution and fondly recalled the achievements of its alumni in politics, administration, research, academia and entrepreneurship. She urged alumni to remain connected with their alma mater and contribute to its continued development.
Emphasising the potential of agricultural entrepreneurship, she encouraged farmers, rural youth, women, self-help groups (SHGs) and agricultural graduates to explore opportunities in value addition, marketing and agriculture-based enterprises. Expressing concern over rural youth migration, she highlighted entrepreneurship as a means of generating livelihoods, utilising local resources and revitalising rural economies.
She also underscored the potential of Northeast India in organic production and indigenous agricultural resources, emphasising their importance in sustainable development. Referring to the vision of former President of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, she highlighted the role of agricultural entrepreneurs in transforming rural livelihoods and contributing to national development.
The programme featured a special segment titled “Reminiscence (Down Memory Lane)”, presented by the 11th Alumni Batch. During the session, Rongsenlemzung Jamir, Additional Director, Soil and Water Conservation, Government of Nagaland, shared memories and words of encouragement, inspiring students and alumni to pursue their aspirations with self-belief, dedication, and perseverance.
A special song was subsequently presented by the SAS Alumni, coordinated by Dr Chubatemsu and Dr Imliakum Ao, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
The Foundation Day celebration also featured the presentation of Alumni Awards to recognise academic excellence and outstanding student achievements. Dr Narola Pongener, President of the Alumni Association School of Agricultural Sciences (AASAS), facilitated the distribution of the awards.
Aysha Parween, BSc. (Hons.) Agriculture, 2022–2026 Batch, received the Alumni Award for Academic Excellence for securing an OGPA of 8.59. Sponsored by AASAS, the award comprised a cash prize of ₹20,000 and a certificate.
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Lijanbeni Y Ovung, BSc (Hons.) Agriculture, First Year, received the Peri Om Pun Excellence Award for securing an OGPA of 8.83 during the academic year 2025–2026. Sponsored by Dr Umed Pun of the 7th Batch, the award comprised ₹10,000 and a certificate. Neisinuo Shine Kiso, B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture, Second Year, received the R2 Seeds Excellence Award for securing an OGPA of 8.58. Sponsored by C. Narayana Rao of the 8th Batch, the award comprised ₹10,000 and a certificate. Wapangnaro S Imsong, BSc. (Hons.) Agriculture, Third Year, received the Lt. Cherish Ch. Marak Excellence Award for securing an OGPA of 8.60.
Sponsored by Thera Ch Marak of the 8th Batch, the award comprised ₹10,000 and a certificate. Devesh Verma, topper of BVoc in Horticulture Technology during 2023–2026, received the Lt Toshili Sema Excellence Award for securing an OGPA of 8.33. Sponsored by Prof Akali Sema of the 3rd Batch, the award comprised ₹10,000 and a certificate. Ketholesie Yalietsu, topper of BVoc in Food Processing during 2022–2025, received the Parag Das Choudhury Excellence Award for securing an OGPA of 7.37. Sponsored by Parag Das Choudhury of the 14th Batch, the award comprised ₹10,000 and a certificate. The awards acknowledged the students’ dedication and academic accomplishments while highlighting the alumni community’s continued commitment to supporting future agricultural professionals.
The celebration was attended by distinguished members of the sponsoring batch and senior alumni. The sponsoring-batch members included Rongsenlemzung Jamir, Additional Director, Soil and Water Conservation, Government of Nagaland; Lipok Jamir, Retired Deputy Director, Department of Agriculture; and Dr Sewak Ram, Associate Professor, Department of Soil and Water Conservation, NU. The senior alumni members included Benjamin Kikon, Retired Additional Director, Department of Agriculture; Shitangshu Hazarika, Publicity and Information Secretary, AASAS and Rontilo Kent, Joint Director, SWC. Their participation reflected the enduring bond between the institution and its alumni and their valuable contributions to agricultural development and public service.
The formal session was chaired by Dr J Akato Chishi, Senior Technical Assistant, Department of Entomology and Vice-President, NUNTSA. The vote of thanks was delivered by Prof Pauline Alila, Dean, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, who expressed gratitude to the special guest, alumni, dignitaries, faculty members, students and organisers for their contributions to the successful celebration.
