Ukhrul, October 25: Pettigrew College celebrated its Diamond Jubilee on Saturday at the college Multipurpose Hall under the theme “From Roots to Radiance: 60 Years of Pettigrew College,” commemorating six decades of growth and transformation while honouring its founders, pioneers and land donors.
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The celebration began with a flag hoisting by Sirawung Ragui, son of the first chairman of the Pettigrew College Committee, Late L. Ragui, followed by the unveiling of the Jubilee monolith by Hunphun Headman, Hunphunwo Khayaiwo. A history and souvenir book was released by P. Rammung, son of Late PR Yangkahao, the inaugural state principal of the college. The programme featured a choreography tribute titled “Hunphun Ayoram,” a thematic play “Legacy in Motion,” cultural performances and greetings from Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS) president Ramreichan Keishing and others.
Ramnganing Muivah, MLA of Ukhrul 44 A/C, and Khashim Vashum, MLA of Chingai 45 A/C, attended the celebration. In their greetings, both emphasized the critical role of education in societal development.
In his speech, Ram Muivah said, “I want to pay tribute to the first principal, the founders and pioneers, and most importantly the 25 families who donated their land without any expectation. To develop a nation, human resource is the most important, and the key to human resource is education. Singapore, without a single natural resource, became one of the richest and most developed countries because of education.”
“Let this college be the incubation centre for innovative thinking,” added Muivah.
Encouraging the students, Khashim Vashum said, “Be proud that you are a student of Pettigrew College.” He stressed that a college’s reputation largely depends on its students and called on both students and faculty to strive to bring Pettigrew College into the top 20 institutions so that it gains wider recognition.
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“There is an emotional attachment to the name Pettigrew,” said Principal Dr. Ringkahao Horam.
William Pettigrew, a British Baptist missionary, arrived in Hunphun (Ukhrul) in 1896 and began his work as an educationist among the Tangkhul Nagas. In the 1960s, a few educated local elders realised the need for a higher education institution.
“They did what they could and gave what they had without any expectation, but for the future generation to have proper education,” Horam said, expressing gratitude to the selfless land donors, founders and pioneers.
“It is because of their mission and vision that we are here today,” he added.
Established in 1965 as a private co-educational institution with 23 students attending night classes, Pettigrew College is the second oldest college in Manipur. Despite its legacy, it still remains a college after 60 years. Infrastructure development is currently underway, and the Tangkhul community remains hopeful for its eventual upgradation to a university. “The college currently employs ten teaching and non-teaching staff from its own funds due to shortage of sanctioned posts. Almighty God provides for us,” said the principal.
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The Diamond Jubilee was attended by Tangkhul Naga Long, Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong and its units, Hunphun Katamnao Long, families of the founders and pioneers, community leaders and well-wishers.
