By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 22: Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) hosted its 16th Convocation at the Lariti Centre for Performing Arts at Mawkasiang, New Shillong Township, on Friday. Altogether, 929 graduates received their certificates, while some were felicitated for outstanding work.
Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma was the chief guest at the function, while Dr Theyiesinuo Keditsu delivered the Convocation address. The large auditorium at the new Centre was packed to capacity with students, parents and invitees filling up every space.
Chancellor of MLCU, Dr Glenn C Kharkongor, in his opening address, stated that this year, the number of graduating students has increased. Education had suffered major disruptions in 2020-2021 but despite that the students have been at it and are here today to see the fruit of their endeavour, he added.
The Chancellor drew the attention of the audience present to the crisis in Manipur which has disrupted the education of so many young students. MLCU is a hub where students from the entire Northeastern states find a place to study the subjects of their choice. Many of these students are from the hills of Manipur.
Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma who gave out the certificates to the graduates later remarked that from his observation about 85% of the graduates passing out seemed to be women, while exalting them.
The Education Minister lauded MLCU stating that he hopes the University will strive to come up to global standards and attract students from all parts of the world.
Dr Theyiesinuo Keditsu, a PhD holder in Social Work from TISS Mumbai, is a feminist, poet, academic, writer and educator, who is an advocate of indigenous Naga textiles and women’s narratives through her popular Instagram page @mekhalamama.
Addressing the students, Keditsu reminded them of their roots and how important it is to nurture the sense of community. She called for more introspection into our folk tales where she says the framework of peace building is inbuilt and that is perhaps how the ancestors resolved differences. She also stated that there is no community that is free from trouble, xenophobia and communalism but there are examples within the communities of how differences were resolved and these are important to rediscover.
The students later held a concert within the Lariti premises where parents were entertained particularly by the Music Department of the University.