Kohima: Nagaland University celebrated its 33rd Foundation Day on September 7. The event took place at the Multi-Purpose Hall on the Medziphema Campus. Dr. S. Girish Patil, Director of ICAR-NRCM, Jharnapani, hoisted the university flag to open the proceedings.
The university now runs 6 schools and 44 academic departments. It oversees a broad network of affiliated colleges. Prof. VK Vidyarthi, Pro Vice-Chancellor-in-Charge, traced the path from the school's 1987 founding to its current status. He touted the school's record in patent grants. Four professors earned rankings among the world's top 2 percent of scientists.
Vidyarthi demanded higher standards from his staff. He urged the community to reject corruption and unethical behavior. He told the attendees, "If you cannot fight, speak. If you cannot speak, write. If you cannot write, support. And if you cannot support, at least do not pull the leg of those who are doing a noble cause."
Dr. Patil focused his lecture on the School of Agricultural Sciences. He pushed for a shift from subsistence farming to commercial markets. Nagaland currently imports large amounts of fish, poultry, and livestock. Local production must replace these imports to boost farmer income. Patil also encouraged students to master digital tools and artificial intelligence.
Dean Prof. Pauline Alila spoke on the necessity of institutional collaboration. She noted that ties between the university and NRC-Mithun open new doors for scholars. The day featured a blood donation drive and a medical camp led by Dr. Vitseilie Phewhuo. A musical performance, an exhibition match, and a movie night rounded out the festivities.
Updated at 8th September 2026 at 2:15pm
Records confirm the university was officially established by an Act of Parliament in 1994. The institution now maintains a massive staff count of 242 teachers and 618 support workers. During the 2025-26 academic year, the university conferred 100 PhDs, 791 postgraduate degrees, and 6,452 bachelor’s degrees.
Official rankings for 2026 place the school second among all Indian government universities for granted patents and fifth for published patents. Researchers touted recent wins, including the SAS KEVU ginger variety and biochar projects that funneled over 30 lakh rupees into women’s self-help groups. Efforts in quantum technology and energy storage also picked up steam.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Jagadish Kumar Patnaik presided over the main celebration at the Lumami headquarters. He handed out the 2026 Vice Chancellor’s Awards to recognize high-performing staff, students, and researchers.
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