‘Our children can now stay in our kitchen and study college’

November 4, 2024 4 Views No Comment

As Patkai Turns 50, A Community Dream is Fulfilled

Morung Express news
Patkai | November 4

“Our children can now stay in our kitchen and study college.” This was the dream of the villagers of Seithekema when they decided to donate land for the establishment of Patkai Christian College (PCC) Autonomous.

“Today our dream has come true,” Dr Kevingulie Khro affirmed while sharing greetings on behalf of the Seithekema village council at the finale of the year-long Golden Jubilee celebration of PCC on November 2.

“When others spent tens of thousands, our children can study for tenths of hundreds,” he added.

In the Golden Jubilee souvenir, Dr Khro, who is also a member of PCC’s Board of Trustees (BoT) from Seithekema, also noted how the decision to donate of 500 acres of land, has proven immensely wise over time,” he added.

Besides the vision and perseverance of the founding couple, Rev Dr Tuisam A Shishak and the late Margret Shishak, as well as other contributors along the way, Dr Khro, citing his experience as a member of the local community and former treasurer of PCC, lauded the Patkai alumni for their leading role in the college’s development over the past 50 years.

As a fatherly figure, Seithekema will continue to pray for the sustained progress and excellence of Patkai, he added.

Chümoukedima village also played a crucial role, donating an additional 500 acres of land for PCC. Bringing greetings on behalf of the Chümoukedima village council, Razouvotuo Chatsu noted that the Jubilee is not just a celebration of the past but a testament to the enduring vision of those who laid the foundation of this esteemed institution,” he said, acknowledging the leadership of founder Rev Dr Shishak and the sacrifices of the college’s pioneers.

The transformation of PCC from an uninhabited terrain in its early days to a sprawling campus with modern facilities is no ordinary accomplishment and is a testament to the faith of a few individuals who were chosen to fulfil God’s plan, he also wrote in the Jubilee souvenir.

Chatsu, a BoT member representing Chümoukedima, meanwhile, highlighted the PCC’s status as one of the finest institutions in Northeast, including its distinction as the first college to achieve autonomous status by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in the entire region.

He also noted that PCC alumni have gone on to make significant contributions to the progress and development of the state and beyond and deemed it as the college’s commitment to nurturing “well-rounded individuals grounded in integrity, knowledge, and service” as we celebrate 50 years of God’s faithfulness.

On behalf of the people of Chümoukedima, Chatsu conveyed greetings to the entire PCC family and expressed hope that the college would continue to grow in glory, wisdom, and progress.

According to Patkai’s records, the current college site was first presented in October 1971 by Dr. Sekhose, but it was rejected due to the hot climate and the limited land area, as only 40 acres was available initially.

After some persuasion, the two villages agreed in principle to provide 1,000 acres of land, and Rev. Dr. Shishak also “fell in love” with the land during a survey.

The deed and map for the college’s 1000-acre property were officially signed, and the title was secured on October 11, 1973, during a public meeting held at Chümoukedima. This meeting included Zakierhie (Village Chief) and Medolie (Village Chief) for Chümoukedima, Vizor (Village Chief) and Yakieu (Chairman) for Seithekema while L Lungalang, Kiremwati Ao, and Dr Satuo Sekhose represented PCC.

After signing the deed and map, a rooster and one kilogram of salt were presented to each of the two villages, in accordance with Angami customary law. This symbolic token is given annually during the college’s foundation day, celebrated every year on August 28.

The foundation day marks the initial student registration on August 28, 1974, and the beginning of classes with just 20 students and two lecturers on September 2.

Addressing the jubilee celebration, Rev Dr Shishak recounted that out of the 20 students, only one managed to clear the then pre-university exam. However, since then, the college has consistently been among the top performers. He also expressed his ardent wish and prayer to see Patkai transform into a full-fledged university.