The Immanuel Theological Seminary on Monday celebrated the 24th Foundation Day cum Welcome Service and Thanksgiving Celebration for its Affiliation to the Senate of Serampore College (University).
The celebration was attended by Liangmai Naga Baptist Association Manipur executive secretary reverend Alungbou Newmai as the speaker.
Zeliangrong Baptist Churches Council Northeast India president reverend Namreikeu Pame, Zeliangrong Baptist Churches Council Northeast India general secretary Gangkhui Gangmei, Immanuel Theological Seminary (ITS) Board chairman Gaichaengsui Gangmei, ITS, Immanuel Theological Seminary principal reverend Tuncapbo SP, board members ITS, local pastors, Church Leaders, ITS staffs, faculty, students, ITS Alumni, and other dignitaries attended the programme.
In his welcoming speech, Immanuel Theological Seminary principal reverend Tuncapbo SP reiterated the vision of Immanuel Theological Seminary pioneers to produce more Theological leaders to reach the unreached.
He said it was through the initiative of the pioneers; P Meingan, Namthiurei, Dinthuiyang, etc and the first converts among the Zeliangrong in Manipur, Maipak, Namrijinang and the dreams of Zelaingrong Christian pioneers whose vision was to have reputed a learning centre in zeliangrong homeland, and this was how the Immanuel Theological Seminary came into being since 2000.
Immanuel Theological Seminary Board chairman Gaichaengsui Gangmei gave a powerful and eye opening speech to the community.
He also reiterated that the motive for affiliation of Immanuel Theological Seminary to both ATA and SSC is to move from compartmentalization of theological education to divergence and exploration of Theological education.
He strongly addressed the need for a contextual, liberative and justice paradigm shift in theological study for tribal communities.
He also emphasised that the Zeliangrong are a poor and marginalised group of people and are way behind other communities in the theological arena.
The next generation of Zeliangrong theological progenies should be able to address the current issues and be nation builders rather than just soul savers, he added.
Speaker reverend Alungbou Newmai recalled the past experiences and struggles of Immanuel Theological Seminary which struggled through thick and thin. He spoke of the generosity and liberal hands of the local churches who have extended help in numerous ways.
He also asserted that Immanuel Theological Seminary affiliation with SSC (University) is a historic occasion, a paradigm shift in the history of Immanuel Theological Seminary.
His speech echoed the transition of Immanuel Theological Seminary since time immemorial to the present times. He also reminded the community with a light note, “We should not forget the first Batch and first principal of Immanuel Theological Seminary; it is because of them that we are celebrating today, the ITS foundation day.”
President ZBCCNEI, reverend Namreikeu Pame blessed the Immanuel Theological Seminary community as the new session 2024-2025 starts. The Academic session for the year 2024-2025 begins with students’ arrival from June 27, 2024, he said.
The community is strengthened by additions of more than 30 new students, and 5 new faculties and staff, he added.
