Vice-Chancellor Prof. Jagadish Kumar Patnaik (left) interacts with faculty members during the inspection of the newly inaugurated Cancer Research Laboratory at Nagaland University, Lumami.
Lumami, October 27 (MExN): Nagaland University inaugurated a new Cancer Research Laboratory at the Department of Zoology, Lumami, on October 23, marking a milestone in the institution’s scientific development and its growing focus on addressing cancer prevalence in Nagaland. The inauguration was followed by a one-day workshop on cancer research.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Prof. Jagadish Kumar Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University, as the Chief Guest, and Dr. Abemo, Registrar of the University, as the Guest of Honour. The programme was chaired by Dr. RamitaSougrakpam, Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology.
The event began with the ribbon-cutting and inspection of the new facility, during which the Chief Guest was briefed on the laboratory’s equipment and capabilities.
Delivering the welcome address, Prof. BendangAo highlighted the urgent need for cancer research, noting the growing incidence of the disease in Nagaland, particularly gastrointestinal cancers.
Drawing from personal experience, he spoke about the toll cancer takes on families and communities. Prof. Ao lauded Prof. Ranjit Kumar for conceptualizing the Cancer Research Lab and acknowledged the University administration and engineering team for their support. He expressed optimism that Nagaland University would soon emerge as a centre of excellence in cancer research.
In his address, Prof. Ranjit Kumar referred to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) data, stating that Nagaland ranks first in nasopharyngeal cancer and second in oral cancer in India, with significant cases of oesophageal and colon cancers. He cautioned that the real burden could be higher due to underreporting. Emphasizing that “cancer research must be indigenous and locally driven,” he urged students to pursue research in the field. Prof. Kumar explained that the new laboratory will enable cancer cell line studies and the development of therapeutic formulations using departmental resources, including the animal house.
Addressing the gathering, Guest of Honour Dr. Abemo expressed gratitude to Almighty God for the successful launch of the laboratory and praised the Vice-Chancellor’s vision for promoting scientific innovation. He underscored the importance of scientific progress for the welfare of society and encouraged collaboration between the University and healthcare facilities toward building a cancer-free community. He remarked that Nagaland University holds immense potential to contribute meaningfully to cancer prevention and cure.
Chief Guest Prof. Jagadish Kumar Patnaik reflected on his personal experiences, sharing that he had lost close relatives to cancer. He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening research and innovation at Nagaland University and urged faculty and students to “pursue excellence through research and publication.” Prof. Patnaik encouraged the documentation and exploration of traditional healing practices by engaging with kobiraz (local healers) to identify natural remedies, adding that such indigenous knowledge could potentially be patented. He also expressed his emotional connection to Nagaland and assured continued support for the University’s scientific pursuits.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Pukhrambam Rajesh Singh, Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, who expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, faculty, and participants for their contributions. OngaroniNgullie, a research scholar from the department, served as rapporteur.
