BTC hosts convocation of Senate of Serampore College

KOHIMA — The Baptist Theological College at T Chikri in Pfütsero town under Phek district hosted the 97th convocation of the Senate of Serampore College (University) on November 22.

Altogether, 89 senators and principals along with 519 graduates from different parts of India and abroad participated in the event.

The historic event commenced with the commemoration service honouring the legacy of the Serampore Quartet namely William Carey, Joshua Marshman, Hannah Marshman and William Ward, who founded India’s first theological institution- Serampore College in 1818.

Following the commemoration service, the convocation ceremony was held, wherein degrees and diplomas for various programs were conferred to the graduates.

Altogether, 2,212 students from both regular and distance programmes graduated on the 97th convocation and 27 senate prizes were awarded to the meritorious students.

The Senate of Serampore (University) conferred Rev. Pushehu Bonny Resuh with the honourary Degree of Doctor of Divinity in recognition of his exceptional service to the church and society.

The convocation address was delivered by Rev. Dr Roger Gaikwad, president of Indo-Palestine Solidarity Network, while the sermon was delivered by Rev. Pushehu Bonny Resuh, lead pastor of CBC, Dimapur, and former general secretary of Asia Pacific Baptist Federation.

Rev. Dr. Chekrovei Cho-o, executive secretary of Chakhesang Baptist Churches Council (CBCC), and Robert Chirgwin, director of Nations Mission UK and member of The Carey Experience, shared the greetings.

The BTC choir presented songs of praise during both the commemoration service and convocation ceremony.

The programme was chaired by Rukuzo Ruho, associate professor at BTC, while Dr. Vekutulu L Veyie, principal of BTC, delivered the welcome address.

The ceremony concluded with closing remarks and benediction said by the Master of the Senate of Council of Serampore College, Bishop Dr. Anilkumar John Servand.

In another programme, BTC marked its 80th anniversary this year, tracing its humble beginnings to February 15, 1944, when the Bible School in Chayaba was established.

An update from the college stated that the year-long celebration of the milestone culminated with a vibrant cultural night programme on November 21 at the main hall (Tabernacle) of BTC, T Chikri, Pfutsero.

Students representing various tribes and ethnic groups presented captivating songs and dances at the event.

It stated that BTC has persevered by overcoming numerous challenges, driven by the vision and resilience of its pioneers and sustained by the faithful support of its community.

As a ministry of the Chakhesang Baptist Church Council (CBCC), the institution offers holistic training through its Bachelor of Divinity (BD) and certificate in church music programmes.

Vevo Sapu, BTC chair of the board of governors and retired director of Art & Culture, Government of Nagaland, shared greetings during the programme, while Rev. Dr. Yiepetso Wezah, auxiliary secretary of Bible Society of India and former principal of BTC, invoked God’s blessings.