Anderson Theological College (ATC), SBAK-Aizuto commemorated its “22nd Foundation Day cum drama and cultural program” here in Aizuto Centre Church under the theme, “Unity in diversity” Saturday evening.
The day was graced by general secretary SH Vihuto Asumi, also the proprietor Immanuel School, Zunheboto as the chief guest.
Speaking and exhorting the theologians and the ATC faculty, Vihuto recalled his father’s (a retired pastor) services in various capacities and maintained that he has emotional and moral attachment to the ATC institution.
He urged and challenged the students on “dedication and commitment” while cautioning them not to be carried away by titles and worldly forces but rather be the “soul winners”.
“ Leaders irrespective of social/secular or religion/spiritual should be crystal clear and not just a whitewash in outer personality but be crystal clear in inner self too” stated Vihuto while citing various examples of the contemporary leaders of various walks of life.
He strongly argued that the tradition of Naga Churches and institutions appointing rich and wealthy person who has poor moral and religious/spiritual attributes in various church/religious councils should be shunned which hampers the smooth functioning of church or religious institutions.
He lauded the mushrooming of various theological institutions in Nagaland (40+), but was apprehensive towards quality education and spiritual knowledge while citing that “many students merely admit themselves just for the sake of gaining Degrees”.
In conclusion, Vihuto stressed on retrospection, introspection and practice of what we preach.
Earlier in the programme various cultural and extravagant entertainment from various student’s communities including Nagas and other non Naga traditional cultural troupes in ATC college campus were displayed.
The second formal session was held in Centre Baptist Church, SBAK Aizuto, which began with ATC vice principal Inakhu Chishi who gave a brief synopsis of the ATC institution which initially began as a primary school founded by Rev B I Anderson, the first missionary to Sümi land/people. He also administered the “Foundation Day Prayers”.
The session also witnessed various cultural extravaganza from “Tripura students- Labang Dance; Bodo Folk Song; Rongmei Traditional Song; traditional fusion song by ATC faculty and staff; ATC students Choir song etc.
Instrumental special piano pieces by IMA director Aron T Asumi and IMA young/junior student Akivi Asumi, brother and son of chief guest Vihuto Asumi (Uncle and Nephew duo), respectively were the most anticipated and main highlights of the evening session.
The event concluded with executive secretary SBAK (Aizuto) Rev Dr Joshua Rochill who said the benediction.