Medziphema, October 22, 2025: The Alumni Association of the School of Agricultural Sciences (AASAS), Nagaland University, celebrated its 25th Anniversary – Silver Jubilee with grandeur and nostalgia at the Multi-Purpose Hall, SAS, Medziphema Campus, on October 20, 2025. The event brought together alumni from various batches, faculty members, and dignitaries to commemorate 25 years of shared growth, contribution, and unity.

The Special Guest for the occasion was Mr. Mhathung Yanthan, Hon’ble MLA and Advisor, Agriculture, Government of Nagaland. The Chief Host was Mr. Metsubo Jamir (1st Batch), Hon’ble Minister for Rural Development and SIRD, while the Honoured Host was Mr. A. Pangjung Jamir (5th Batch), Hon’ble MLA and Advisor, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Government of Nagaland.

The celebration began with the unveiling of the Silver Jubilee Monolith by Mr. Yanthan, followed by the Alumni Flag Hoisting by Mr. Pangjung Jamir. Prof. L. Daiho, Former Dean of SAS, led the invocation prayer, and Mr. K. Neibou Sekhose, Chairman of the Organising Committee and first President of AASAS, delivered the Welcome Address, recalling the association’s early journey. A welcome song by the Alumni Choir, directed by Dr. Imliakum Ao (29th Batch) and Dr. Chubatemsu Ozukum (27th Batch), set a nostalgic tone, followed by a “Reminiscence” session where senior alumni shared memories of their student days.

Prof. Akali Sema, Secretary of the Organising Committee and first General Secretary of AASAS, presented the “Journey of AASAS”, highlighting milestones, achievements, and alumni impact, accompanied by video clips from those unable to attend. A felicitation ceremony honoured distinguished alumni for their contributions, and Prof. L. Tongpang Longkumer (5th Batch), President of AASAS, presented Academic Excellence Awards.

Formal addresses were delivered by Chief Host Mr. Metsubo Jamir, Honoured Host Mr. Marthon Sangma, and Prof. Dipak Sinha, Pro-Vice Chancellor, NU, SAS, Medziphema Campus. The session also featured a special performance by the EU Choir, coordinated by the EU President, and the release of the Silver Jubilee Souvenir.

In his inaugural address, Special Guest Mr. Mhathung Yanthan lauded AASAS’s 25-year journey as one marked by excellence, dedication, and transformation. He described the Silver Jubilee as a renewal of commitment to uplift farmers, empower youth, and promote sustainable agriculture. He commended the alumni for their role in advancing rural development and emphasised the need for collaboration and innovation to ensure agricultural progress in Nagaland and beyond.

The inaugural session concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Mr. Hoto Yeptho, Organising Committee Member (1st Batch) and first Advisor of AASAS, who expressed gratitude to all participants and supporters. The session was compered by Dr. Moakala Changkiri (29th Batch), Scientist, AICRP on Vegetable Crops.

The afternoon segment featured a technical session (2:00–4:00 PM) chaired by Prof. Pauline Alila (5th Batch), Dean, SAS, where speakers discussed contemporary agricultural challenges and innovations. This was followed by the AASAS General Body Meeting (4:00–5:00 PM), presided over by Prof. L. Tongpang Longkumer, reviewing past activities and outlining future initiatives to strengthen alumni engagement and institutional growth.

The day concluded with a vibrant cultural programme (6:00–8:00 PM) coordinated by Dr. Watilmongla Jamir (9th Batch), Former Director, SAMETI, featuring performances by alumni and students that reflected the rich diversity and spirit of camaraderie within the SAS community.

As part of the celebration, several Alumni Awards for Academic Excellence were presented:

Miss Nivedita Kumari (9.08 OGPA) received the AASASRD Academic Excellence Award (B.Sc. Ag. 2021–2025 Batch) — ₹20,000 and certificate.

Miss Neisinuo Shine Kiso (8.36 OGPA) received the Peri Om Pun Excellence Award (B.Sc. Ag. 1st Year 2024–25), sponsored by Dr. Umed Pun (7th Batch) — ₹10,000 and certificate.

Miss Wapangnaro S. Imsong (8.56 OGPA) received the R2 Seeds Excellence Award (B.Sc. Ag. 2nd Year 2024–25), sponsored by C. Narayana Rao (8th Batch) — ₹10,000 and certificate.

Miss Aysha Parween (8.58 OGPA) received the Lt. Cherish Ch. Marak Excellence Award (B.Sc. Ag. 3rd Year 2024–25), sponsored by Mrs. Thera Ch. Marak (8th Batch) — ₹10,000 and certificate.

The Silver Jubilee celebration was a heartfelt reunion of generations of agricultural scientists and professionals, reflecting AASAS’s enduring spirit of service, unity, and commitment to advancing agriculture in Nagaland.