Special Guest Dr Tolto Metha lights the ceremonial torch to mark the opening of the 10th Annual Sports Meet 2025 of the North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research at Peace Centre Chümoukedima on March 25. (Image Courtesy: NEISSR)
Chümoukedima, March 26 (MExN): Under the theme, “Beyond the Books,” the 10thAnnual Sports Meet 2025 of the North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR), Peace Centre Chümoukedima started on March 26.
Gracing the inaugural as the Special Guest, Deputy Director and Team Member of the Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency, Dr Tolto Metha commended NEISSR’s commitment to peace building and social transformation.
Reflecting on contemporary challenges, he remarked that news is often filled with conflict, but institutions like NEISSR, with its Peace Centre and specialization in Peace and Conflict Transformation Studies (PCTS), offer hope for a more harmonious society. He encouraged students to adopt a lifelong learning mindset. Drawing from his expertise in environmental conservation, Dr Metha urged students to integrate social service with environmental stewardship, further categorising environmental responsibility into three roles: Doers, Donors, and Practitioners.
Citing the Amur Falcon conservation initiative, he emphasised the power of community-led environmental actions and also encouraged active participation in sustainability efforts.
Speaking on Chümoukedima’s rapid development, Dr Metha described the district as an emerging hub for sports, healthcare, hospitality, and education, urging students to take pride in NEISSR’s strategic location.
NEISSR Principal, Dr Fr Anto expressed gratitude to the Special Guest and appreciated the Students’ Council for Social Change (SCSC) for their initiative in organising the event. He also emphasised the importance of sports in fostering teamwork, discipline, and leadership, urging students to make the most of such opportunities for holistic development.
The opening also featured keynote address by Barnabas D, Games and Sports Secretary, SCSC, NEISSR and a special musical performance by Vilhourieno Sekhose.
The Oath-Taking Ceremony was led by Machin K Winnyfred, Assistant Games and Sports Secretary, SCSC, NEISSR. The 10thAnnual Sports Meet will conclude on March 29.
