Opportunities are for challenge-takers, says Prof. G Thong

KOHIMA — Pro Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University (NU), Professor Glenn T Thong, told the graduating students to grow beyond mediocrity saying that most opportunities available are for challenge-takers.

The professor said addressing the first graduation programme of Sazolie College, Phezhu, in Jotsoma on Wednesday. A total of 163 students (batch of 2024) graduated from the college.

He told the students to grab opportunities that come their way and start preparing for the future instead of dreaming about it. He stated that graduation marks the beginning of their journey into adulthood, which will be long and difficult and added that the knowledge they gained so far was not enough to guide them into the unknown.

He cautioned against allowing others to dictate terms to them and advised to seriously take charge of their own life and chart their destiny.

“Success in life has always been humankind’s primary goal, but success comes only to those who dare to struggle. Going through tough times is not easy; but there is no substitute for hard work. Many others have risen through great challenges in life. Each of us possesses the grit and the enterprise, but very few actually use these gifts,” Thong asserted.

He advised them to never give up in life despite facing failures and encouraged that with grit and determination they can achieve goals. 

He pointed out that trying to get a job would be the most challenging venture as thousands compete for very few jobs in the government sector today. He, however, told them not to be disheartened as there are other jobs with multi-national companies, various state and central civil services etc. He advised them to work unceasingly and persistently to survive.

He also reminded the students that they cannot be cut-off from the realities afflicting the society and told them to help rid society of the numerous injustices and imbalances today. Being privileged with higher education, he said, they have to give back to society by fighting for their future and for the less fortunate people including duty towards the environment.

He encouraged them to take initiative to educate society to adopt certain basic practices such as ecological restoration, biodiversity conservation, etc.

Besides, he pointed out that Nagaland is faced with two problems–cleanliness and civic sense—where many parts of the world have stop talking about it. He told them to be the torchbearer for change and teach the society to share and care.

The principal of Sazolie College, Dr. Gopal Chetri, informed that the college celebrated its first graduation day after 19 years of establishment in 2005.

He urged the students to remember that their education is not just about the degree they have earned, but about the person they have become. He also challenged them to be curious and lifelong learners, to be bold and ready to take calculated risks, be compassionate and emphatic and be leaders and change makers.

Olemsunep Imchen of 2024 batch from Sazolie College secured top position in Psychology subject in Nagaland University. A total of 19 students from the college also secured CGPA of 6 and above.

Besides awarding degrees, some students also received academic awards including Alumni Academic Excellence Award, Management Topper’s Award and Mavericks Academic Excellence Award.