North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR) commemorated a significant milestone, celebrating its 10th Graduation cum Foundation Day on 2nd October 2025 at the Bishop Abraham Memorial Hall, Peace Centre, marking a decade of academic excellence and social leadership. The event honored the achievements of the BSW and MSW graduating class of 2025 while celebrating NEISSR’s journey as a pioneer in social work education, graced by Dr. Kevezai Tureng, Director, College Development Council (CDC), Nagaland University as Special Guest, and an address from Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima and Chairman of NEISSR.
In his address, Special Guest Dr. Kevezai Tureng delivered an inspiring speech, encouraging the graduates to view their education not just as a means of earning a living but as a foundation for building something greater. He reminded them to see life from different perspectives and urged them to see themselves as builders of a better society. He advised the graduates to stay curious, grounded, and compassionate, and to remain humble in both success and failure, reminding them that life would present choices where some would see problems and others would see opportunities. He encouraged the graduates to carry integrity, for the world was waiting for them, and reassured them that though life would not always be smooth, like a map, it would always recalculate the route. Dr. Tureng stressed the importance of integrity, confidence in one’s training, and the courage to care for others, calling on the graduates to become the voice of the voiceless and the hope for the weak, carrying forward the values of service, humility, and leadership that NEISSR had instilled in them.
Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, in his address, highlighted the core values of social work – justice, dignity, integrity, competence, and importance of human relationships. He urged the graduates to become social transformers and advocates, promoting equity and resilience while facing challenges with courage and encouraging them to be socially responsible leaders who carry forward the values instilled by NEISSR.
Dr. Fr. C. P. Anto, Principal NEISSR, in his welcome note, inspired students to see graduation as a bridge from the ‘Now’ of learning to the ‘Next’ of living and leading, and speaking to Gen Z, he emphasized that while they are digital natives, employers seek resilience, problem-solving, creativity, communication, humility, and teamwork. He urged graduates to transform knowledge into wisdom, individuality into collaboration, and comfort into courage, quoting Alvin Toffler to remind them that true literacy lies in the capacity to learn, unlearn, and relearn. He also urged the graduates to never stop adapting, use education not just for career, but for the transformation of society and serve with humility, lead with integrity, and live with courage.
The Outgoing Batch Speech was delivered by Mr. Joyba C. Sangtam, Former President of the Student Council, who shared his personal growth at NEISSR and reminded his classmates, “If you can survive in NEISSR, you can survive anywhere”. Best Student awardees being Visekunu Thol from MSW and Tsukhari Florance from BSW also delivered their messages.
The event also recognized outstanding student achievements, with the Best Student awardees being Visekunu Thol from MSW and Tsukhari Florance from BSW. Jibitha George from MSW and Ng. Souhvane Lishe of BSW received the Academic Excellence Award, while Harun Marak of MSW and Magdelena Soren of BSW received the Best Research Award. Jinto Jose of MSW and Shaidaris Nongrem of BSW received the Best Field Work Award, Yantsumong of MSW and Ashiko Kholi of BSW received the Philanthropist Award, and Joyba C Sangtam of MSW and Hantsula Yimchungru of BSW received the Best Innovative Practice in Social Work Award.
Dr. Abel Ariina, Assistant Professor, felicitated the graduates. The program was chaired by Ms. Bokatoli Kinimi Z and Ms. Nlumpeule, Assistant Professors at NEISSR. The invocation was by Dr. Fr. Pezalhoukho George Rino, Parish Priest, St. Joseph Parish and Principal, St. Joseph Hr. Sec. School Chümoukedima, and the programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Rev. Fr. G.L. Khing, Vice Principal & Administrator, NEISSR. The program also included a Special Song by the NEISSR Choir, Glimpses of NEISSR presented by Ms. Esther M. Konyak from MSW, and a vibrant Cultural Fusion performance by NEISSR trainees.
https://www.easternmirrornagaland.com/neissr-celebrates-10th-graduation-cum-foundation-day
https://morungexpress.com/neissr-honours-graduating-bsw-msw-students-highlights-social-work-values