AASAS marks 25 years of excellence with a grand silver jubilee celebration
Medziphema,Rongili Barta: The Alumni Association of the School of Agricultural Sciences (AASAS), Nagaland University, celebrated its 25th Anniversary – Silver Jubilee with grandeur and nostalgia at the Multi-Purpose Hall, SAS, NU, Medziphema Campus. The celebration, held on Monday, 20th October 2025, brought together alumni from different batches, faculty members, and dignitaries, commemorating 25 years of shared growth, contribution, and unity. The Special Guest for the event was Mr. Mhathung Yanthan, Hon’ble MLA and Advisor, Agriculture, Government of Nagaland, while the Chief Host was Mr. Metsubo Jamir (1st Batch), Hon’ble Minister for Rural Development and SIRD, Government of Nagaland, and the Honored Host was Mr. A. Pangjung Jamir (5th Batch), Hon’ble MLA and Advisor, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Government of Nagaland.
The celebration began with the unveiling of the Silver Jubilee Monolith by Mr. Mhathung Yanthan, marking the symbolic opening of the event, followed by the Alumni Flag Hoisting by Mr. A. Pangjung Jamir. The invocation prayer was led by Prof. L. Daiho, Former Dean, NU, SAS, Medziphema Campus, and the welcome address was delivered by Mr. K. Neibou Sekhose, Chairman of the Organizing Committee and 1st President of AASAS, who warmly greeted the gathering and reflected on the association’s journey. The Alumni Choir, under the direction of Dr. Imliakum Ao (29th Batch) and Dr. Chubatemsu Ozukum (27th Batch), presented a heartfelt welcome song that set a nostalgic tone for the event. This was followed by “Reminiscence”, where senior alumni shared their memories and experiences from their time at SAS.
Prof. Akali Sema, Secretary of the Organizing Committee and 1st General Secretary of AASAS, delivered a presentation on the “Journey of AASAS”, highlighting the milestones, achievements, and growth of the association over the years, accompanied by video clips of alumni who could not attend the event. A felicitation ceremony followed, honouring distinguished alumni for their contributions, and the presentation of Academic Excellence Awards by Prof. L. Tongpang Longkumer (5th Batch), President of the Alumni Association.
The formal speeches commenced with an address by the Chief Host, Mr. Metsubo Jamir, followed by a short speech from the Honored Host, Mr. Marthon Sangma, and brief remarks by Prof. Dipak Sinha, Pro-Vice Chancellor, NU, SAS, Medziphema Campus. A special number was performed by the EU Choir, coordinated by the EU President, followed by the release of the Silver Jubilee Souvenir.
In his inaugural address, the Special Guest, Mr. Mhathung Yanthan, stated that the event marked not merely twenty-five years of the existence of the Alumni Association of SAS but stood as a celebration of twenty-five years of excellence, dedication, and transformation — twenty-five years of nurturing minds, shaping futures, and advancing the noble cause of agriculture in Nagaland and beyond. He remarked that the Silver Jubilee was more than a celebration; it was a renewal of commitment and a reaffirmation of shared purpose and dedication, whether in active service or retired, young or old. He emphasized that it had been a collective pledge to uplift farmers, empower youth with knowledge and skills, conserve the environment and natural resources, and most importantly, make agriculture once again a dignified, rewarding, and respected profession. He lauded the alumni for their continued contributions to the agricultural and rural development sectors of the region and underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation in ensuring sustainable agricultural growth.
The inaugural programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Hoto Yeptho, Organizing Committee Member (1st Batch) and 1st Advisor of AASAS, who expressed gratitude to all guests, alumni, and participants for making the event a grand success. The session was compered by Dr. Moakala Changkiri (29th Batch), Scientist, AICRP on Vegetable Crops.
The afternoon segment featured a technical session from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, chaired by Prof. Pauline Alila (5th Batch), Dean, NU, SAS, Medziphema Campus, with engaging discussions and knowledge sharing on contemporary agricultural challenges and advancements. From 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, the General Body Meeting of AASAS was held, presided over by Prof. L. Tongpang Longkumer (5th Batch), President of the Alumni Association. The meeting reviewed the association’s activities and outlined future plans for strengthening alumni engagement and institutional development.
The day concluded with a vibrant cultural programme from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, coordinated by Dr. Watilmongla Jamir (9th Batch), Former Director, SAMETI, where alumni and students showcased an array of performances reflecting the rich diversity and spirit of camaraderie within the SAS community.
The Alumni Award for Academic Excellence for B.Sc. (Hons.) Ag. 2021–2022 to 2024–2025 Batch, sponsored by AASASRD, carrying a cash award of Rs. 20,000 and a certificate, was presented to Miss Nivedita Kumari (9.08 OGPA). The “Peri Om Pun Excellence Award” for B.Sc. (Hons.) Ag. 1st Year Course during 2024–2025, sponsored by Dr. Umed Pun (7th Batch), carrying a cash award of Rs. 10,000 and a certificate, was presented to Miss Neisinuo Shine Kiso (8.36 OGPA). The “R2 Seeds Excellence Award” for B.Sc. (Hons.) Ag. 2nd Year Course during 2024–2025, sponsored by C. Narayana Rao (8th Batch), carrying a cash award of Rs. 10,000 and a certificate, was presented to Miss Wapangnaro S. Imsong (8.56 OGPA). The “Lt. Cherish Ch. Marak Excellence Award” for B.Sc. (Hons.) Ag. 3rd Year Course during 2024–2025, sponsored by Mrs. Thera Ch. Marak (8th Batch), carrying a cash award of Rs. 10,000 and a certificate, was presented to Miss Aysha Parween (8.58 OGPA).