PCC marks golden jubilee with reflections on legacy and vision

November 3, 2024 8 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Patkai | November 3

Patkai Christian College (PCC), Autonomous, concluded its year-long Golden Jubilee celebrations with a grand final event honouring the institution’s rich history and legacy on Saturday.

The event commenced with the unveiling of the Jubilee Monolith by Rev Dr Tuisem A Shishak, the Founder and Principal Emeritus of PCC, joined by members of the Board of Trustees, alumni, faculty, students, and well-wishers, followed by a formal event.

Releasing the Jubilee Souvenir, Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho, General Secretary of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), reflected on the founders, Rev Dr Tuisem Shishak and the late Margaret Shishak, as a testament to “God’s enduring faithfulness over its 50-year journey.”

He reminded attendees of the dedication of the founders, adding, “PCC is what it is today because God placed a vision in the hearts of Dr Tuisem and his wife Margaret.”

Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho, General Secretary, NBCC releasing the Jubilee Souvenir.

“You are here firstly to embrace the vision and secondly to teach and mould. Embrace the vision—light and truth. Jesus is the light and the truth. On these two pillars, Patkai has stood strong,” he added.

Rev Dr Keyho urged attendees to embrace the college’s vision of “Light and Truth,” emphasizing that the Jubilee celebration is not about personal or institutional achievements, but rather a tribute to God’s work and guidance. He described the transformation of Patkai from ‘wilderness’ into a thriving learning center God placed in the founder’s heart, highlighting the institution’s impact on over 8,000 alumni and its promising future.

To this end, he urged the college community—including past and present students, staff, donors, and alumni—to recommit to the values of “Light and Truth,” fostering knowledge, character, and purpose in future generations.

In a tribute to the late Margaret Shishak, PCC co-founder and a pivotal force in the college’s music programme, Rev Loliro Kuotsu reflected on a lifelong lesson instilled by her: “right is right, wrong is wrong.”

Emphasising integrity over compromise, she noted that as people expect leaders to govern righteously, teachers to teach accurately, and students to respond truthfully, everyone should strive to do the “right thing” in life.

Earlier, welcoming the gathering, PCC Principal Dr Thepfuvilie Pieru noted the college’s growth from 20 students and two lecturers in 1974 to over 2,000 current students, 8,000 alumni, and 150 teachers today, signifying the college’s commitment to imparting quality education and nurturing individuals.

A key event of the programme was a drama titled “Genesis of Patkai,” presented by PCC’s Drama Club, depicting the inspiring journey of the college’s founder and his wife, whose dedication and vision laid the foundations of Patkai Christian College.
The event featured a musical performance by the PCC’s the Margaret Shishak School of Music Choir as well as Alumni choir, comprising all batches from 1974-2024.

Another highlight was the felicitation of PCC’s principals, recognising their contributions to the institution – Rev Dr Shishak, founder and first principal; former principals Rev Judson Rungsung (1 September 2004-31 September 2009), Kolezo Chase (1 September 2009-31 March 2010), Hūsazū Epao (1 April 2010-31 March 2020), and the current principal, Dr Thepfuvilie Pierü, serving since 1 April 2020.

Greetings were conveyed from the donor villages, represented by Dr Kevingulie Khro from Seithekema and Razouvotuo Chatsu from Chümoukedima, underscoring the college strong ties with the community. Special mention was made of Seithekema and Chümoukedima villages, the generous donors of the 1,000 acres on which PCC now stand. The contribution of former students was also acknowledged, emphasising that “alumni are at the forefront in the college’s upliftment.”

Jubilee Declaration
On the occasion, Dr Sedevi Angami, Member, Board of Trustees read the Jubilee Declaration, reaffirming commitment to the college’s vision and mission, and expressing profound gratitude to Rev Dr Shishak and his wife late Margaret and those who joined them in establishing the college 50 years ago.

The declaration further affirmed the college’s appreciation to the villages of Seithekema and Chümoukedima. It also announced the establishment of a corpus fund to support awards for meritorious students and financial assistance for needy students. Additionally, it pledged the construction of a new academic building to be named after the college’s founder, Rev Dr Tuisem A Shishak.

Following the formal programme, attendees enjoyed a Jubilee feast and informal gathering, each receiving a tree sapling to plant, commemorating the Golden Jubilee both on campus and at home.