Tetso College held its Convocation Ceremony 2026 at Lorin Hall on August 13, with Emeritus Professor of Philosophy and Constructive Theology, Convenor of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation and Ambassador of 21 Wilberforce of the Baptist World Alliance, Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, as the commencement speaker.

Delivering the commencement address, Rev. Dr. Wati Aier described graduation as ‘the end of a beginning’ and emphasised the role of education in questioning injustice and reshaping society. Quoting poet John Masefield, he described an institution of learning as a place ‘where those who perceive truth may strive to make others see.’

Drawing on David Graeber’s belief that human-made structures can be remade, Rev. Dr. Aier urged the graduates to confront inequality, corruption and dehumanisation with courage, humility and faith in God. Rev. Dr Aier added, “As you step beyond these walls, you will encounter a world marked by inequality, bureaucracy, and rigid hierarchies. The sociologist Émile Durkheim called this condition anomie (A-NU- ME)—a state of normlessness, where individuals feel disconnected from collective meaning.

But remember: these structures are not immutable(unchangeable). They are human constructs. And what is constructed can be reconstructed.”

He affirmed that dignity is inherent in every person and called upon the graduates to use their education to uphold human dignity and contribute towards a more just society.

Meanwhile, in the chairman’s address, Chairman, Tetso College, Kvulo Lorin, urged the graduating students to remain rooted in their heritage while adapting to a rapidly changing world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. Drawing an analogy with a tree, he said the strength of one’s roots would determine how firmly one stood and how far one’s influence could reach.

Reminding the graduates, “Don’t try to outpace a machine. Be something it cannot be,” Lorin encouraged them to cultivate qualities that distinguish human beings from machines. He also outlined the College’s progress towards autonomous status and plans to introduce Law and Physical Education programmes, subject to approval from Nagaland University.

Lorin acknowledged the sacrifices made by parents and appreciated the Class of 2026 for contributing towards a scholarship for a third-semester Psychology student, describing the initiative as ‘the Tree of Hope in action.’

The ceremony was chaired by Assistant Professor, department of English, Dr. Hawaibam Loiyumba and commenced with the symbolic watering of the Tree of Hope, followed by an invocation by Youth Pastor, Rengma Baptist Church, Sovima, Awa Lorin. Thereafter, the valedictory reflections were delivered by first-rank, M.A. English, Ketuosieno Prescilla Khamo; and Gold Medallist, B.A. Political Science major and overall Undergraduate Topper of Nagaland University, Khushi Jain.

Ketuosieno emphasised the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage while pursuing excellence with humility and responsibility, while Khushi encouraged the graduating students to regard education as a civic responsibility and apply their learning in the service of justice and human dignity. The College also recognised four other first-rank achievers, namely Aiyana Y. Jaideep from the department of Linguistics; Linoka Yepthomi, BSW; Doma Yangchen, Mass Communication; and Yomei Shakai, BBA.

Other notable academic achievers included second rank, M.A. English, Lenity B. Aventh; second rank, B.Com., Anamica Debnath; second rank, B.A. Economics, Watisangla; third rank, B.A. Psychology, Kivini S. Zhimomi; fifth rank, B.A. Political Science, Sahnemren N. Jamir; sixth rank, B.A. Economics, Vikethonuo Metha; and sixth rank, B.A. History, Mechieno Kin.

Earlier, the Department of English also organised a book launch with Rev. Dr. Wati Aier releasing the Frames of Fiction: Photographic Narratives of Literature, a publication by the M.A. English Class of 2026. Published by Kethu Publishing House, the book brings literary analysis into conversation with visual storytelling and reflects the department’s emphasis on creative expression and innovative approaches to literary study.

The volume was edited by Dean, IQAC Coordinator and Associate Professor, department of English, Dr. Anjan K. Behera, along with fourth-semester M.A. English students Lenity B. Aventh, Visedenuo Khruomo and Tiamongla Imchen.

Meanwhile, the convocation witnessed the academic accomplishments of 383 graduating students across the College’s M.A., B.A., BSW, BCA, B.Com. and BBA programmes. The ceremony brought together graduates, faculty members, parents, families, dignitaries and invited guests, with approximately 800 people in attendance. The occasion also acknowledged the dedicated mentorship of the faculty and the nurturing academic environment of Tetso College, which contributed to shaping the graduates into capable and conscientious individuals.