Pettigrew College in Ukhrul on Tuesday observed its 57th Freshers' meet under the theme ‘Rekindle’ with Tangkhul Naga Long president David K Shimray as the chief guest.
At the occasion, Shimray stressed on the essence of maintaining discipline in the life of students to achieve their dreams. “As a student, your foremost duty is to study and obey your teachers. When you cooperate and obey your teachers many great things could be accomplished. Work hard for there is no other substitute to realise your dreams.”
Elaborating on the theme ‘Rekindle’, David called upon the young students to build a brand new Tangkhul community and a brand new Pettigrew College. “Education is the key to achieve this, and to make this happen, TNL is working tirelessly towards upgrading the college to the university level,” he added.
He conveyed that he had appraised the matter to Manipur's chief minister N Biren Singh recently and during his visit to Ukhrul. “A question of political parties does not arise. Education should be the concern of all parties and should be the bounden responsibility of all stakeholders,” he stressed.
Urging the students to protect and preserve Tangkhul folk songs, he said young minds should preserve and guard the community’s identity. Tangkhul identity is richly found in its folk songs; therefore, the students must take keen interests to preserve and guard the rich culture, he added.
As part of the event, freshers were introduced, followed by a selection of Freshers’ king and queen through question rounds by a panel of judges. Thothing Soro and Soyami Luikhan were crowned Mr and Miss Freshers' king and queen 2022.
Traditional fashion show, dance, special numbers and acting play were presented by the students.
Altogether, 608 students got their admissions at Pettigrew College. The institute offers two streams i.e. Arts and Science. The college was established in 1965, and is the only government college in Ukhrul district.
