Chief Minister Rio conferred honourary Doctor of Letters
Morung Express News
Dimapur | February 26
When an opportunity presents itself, embrace and pursue it, according to Nagaland Governor La Ganesan. However, he also underscored that students and graduates, after pursuing education and careers elsewhere, should stay connected to their roots while contributing to the development of their native land.
“Wherever opportunity calls, you should go there, and if you get a job, you may want to work there. There is nothing wrong with it. But what I want to say is this: ‘Learn and earn, but return to our mother country,’” Ganesan said at the North East Christian University’s (NECU) convocation ceremony on February 25. This was the first convocation of NECU, founded by the Council of Baptist Churches in North East India (CBCNEI) and established by an Act of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly in 2013.
The Governor presented certificates to a total of 54 graduates—28 undergraduate degrees and 26 postgraduate degrees.
Ganesan cited former Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, who often insisted, when addressing students, on using the knowledge and skills they acquired “for our own country.” He also referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push for a Viksit Bharat (developed India).
In just a few years, Ganesan said, NECU has addressed critical gaps in the state’s education system, including global partnerships, while pioneering academic programs in International Relations and Indigenous Studies. He noted that the university is said to be India’s only NABCB-accredited institution and bridges heritage with modernity. He also highlighted the impact of NECU beyond academia, citing nursing students securing placements, agroforestry initiatives, and diplomas in Disaster Management and Emotional Health.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio was also conferred an honorary Doctor of Letters degree by the university. Ganesan said Rio deserved the recognition for his outstanding contributions to society.
In his acceptance speech, Chief Minister Rio regarded the conferring of the honorary degree as a recognition of their shared commitment to international relations and community development. “I have always believed that true progress is built on the foundation of global collaboration and innovative thinking. In today’s interconnected world, our ability to bridge cultures and ideas is paramount,” he said.
Rio also committed to education, fostering international dialogue, and community development. He urged the graduates to strive for excellence, contribute to Nagaland’s growth, and become ambassadors of the state’s culture and heritage.
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