The General Secretary of National Council of Churches urged the celebrants of College Day to be mindful of humanity and rightful spirituality as the world enters into what he called ‘the Fourth Industrial Revolution’
The oldest theological institution in Mizoram and a leading theological college in the North-east region celebrated its 53rd College Day on November 26, 2018 in its premises at Durtlang Leitan, Mizoram. The programme was chaired by Rev. Lalramliana Pachuau, Synod Sr. Executive Secretary, i/c Theological Education.
The Principal Rev. Dr. C. Lalhlira accorded a very warm welcome to the invitees; and gave an interesting report on the College’s activities and major achievements during the past one year (i.e., December 2017–November 2018). Some of the significant points in the Principal’s report may be highlighted as under:
The Principal’s report contains this beautiful statement: “One of the visions of the [Mizoram Presbyterian] Church is to make the College to become one of the best theological institutions in South East Asia. For this the College will have to develop its infrastructure which would in turn need special financial assistance from the Synod.”
The Principal concluded his report with heartfelt thanks indebted to the Church and his colleagues for the kind support and cooperation rendered to him throughout his tenure as the Principal of the College. He conveyed his best wishes to the newly elected Principal saying, “I now welcome and congratulate the Principal Elect Rev. Prof. Vanlalnghaka Ralte, who is a scholar, administrator, and a friend of all. I wish him all the very best to become the Principal as he takes over the charge of Principal in the beginning of January next year. I, at the same, request all the Faculty and Staff to support him as you have wholeheartedly supported to me.”
Rev. Dr. Roger Gaikwad, the Guest Speaker of the Day spoke on highly intellectual theme, “Humanity and Spirituality in the Face of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The Speaker discussed the present context in which we are doing ministry in terms of Klaus Schwab’s Fourth Industrial Revolution which is characterized by a fusion of technologies that is blurring the lines between the physical, digital, and biological spheres. He explicated the advantages of digital technology in terms of social connectivity, communication speeds, versatile working, learning opportunities, automation, information storage, accurate duplication, GPS and mapping, transportation, low cost, etc. Besides, the Speaker also stressed upon the reality of humanity and spirituality in the face of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He spelled out nicely the present context as fusion of technologies and humans, thus, “In the era of the fourth industrial revolution, human beings no longer control machines, but rather humans co-exists with machines, but rather humans controlled by machines, and furthermore, human beings and machines are fused, and human beings extend through machines, and human progress is led by machines.” The Guest Speaker challenged the Church and Theological Education [in Mizoram] to initiate another reformation. Dr. Gaikwad responded God’s call to become the General Secretary of National Council of Churches while he was serving the ATC as its Principal.
At the celebration, Edler Dengzikpuia, Synod Secretary (Sr) gave away the Proficiency Awards and various Prizes to the deserved students. Mr. Zosangliana Rokhum, the outgoing President of Students’ Body was awarded with “The Best Outgoing Student Award.”
To the new graduates listed below, the degree of Bachelor of Christian Studies (BCS) was awarded:
ATC Male Voice and ATC Choir presented beautiful songs during the function. Rev. Dr. Vanlalnghaka Ralte, the newly elected Principal proposed a vote of thanks. The College Day celebration was closed with benediction by Rev. Vanlalrova Khiangte, Member, Synod Theological Board.