Amid ruins and displacement, burnt nursing school in Manipur rekindles spirit of service

In a powerful testament to resilience amid conflict and displacement, the conflict-hit Dr Anjuli Nayak Nursing School on February 26 held its Lamp Lighting, Capping and Oath Taking Ceremony for the 10th batch of General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) students in Kangpokpi district, months after its campus in Imphal was reduced to ashes during the initial phase of the Manipur violence.

The institution, earlier operating from Dewlahland in Imphal East district, was forced to relocate after its infrastructure was destroyed in the unrest. Since then, the school has gradually resumed academic activities from Kangpokpi district, symbolising continuity of purpose despite devastating loss.

Founded in Imphal and governed by the Kuki Christian Church, the nursing school was established with a mission to produce professionally competent nurses and midwives committed to serving the sick, the poor and the underserved, particularly in the remote hill districts of Manipur, Nagaland, Assam and Tripura.

The ceremony was held at Kangpokpi Christian Church in the presence of church leaders, medical professionals and faculty members. Rev. Dr T Lunkim, Administrative Secretary of the Kuki Christian Church Assembly, attended the programme as the minister of the ceremony, while Dr Nengpilhing Misao, Medical Superintendent of the District Hospital, Kangpokpi, was present as the chief guest.

The programme began with a formal welcome of dignitaries and a student march, followed by an opening prayer by Pastor Nehcha Chongloi of Kangpokpi Christian Church. The ceremonial lamp was lit by the dignitaries, marking the formal induction of students into the nursing profession and symbolising knowledge, compassion and service.

In her keynote address, the vice principal of the institution spoke on the ethical responsibilities and professional discipline expected of nurses, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected societies. Addressing the gathering, the chief guest stressed the urgent need for skilled, compassionate and ethically grounded nursing professionals, especially in rural and violence-affected regions where healthcare access remains limited.

The central moment of the ceremony was the Lamp Lighting, Capping and Oath Taking, during which students solemnly pledged to uphold the ethics of the nursing profession, protect patient dignity and rights, and serve humanity without discrimination.

The Dr. Anjuli Nayak Nursing School follows the syllabus and regulations prescribed by the Indian Nursing Council, and its philosophy views nursing as a noble calling rooted in compassion, professional competence and dedication to preventive, curative and rehabilitative care. The institution aims to prepare nurses capable of independent decision-making, leadership in clinical and community health settings, and meaningful participation in research and quality improvement.

Despite the destruction of its Imphal campus, the continuation of academic activities in Kangpokpi and the conduct of this ceremony marked not just an academic milestone but a symbolic revival of an institution that refused to surrender to violence.

The programme concluded with a blessing prayer, felicitation of students, distribution of proficiency awards, a vote of thanks and a closing prayer, followed by a group photo session and light refreshments.

More than a ceremonial tradition, the occasion stood as a declaration of survival, faith and unwavering commitment to the noble calling of nursing amid the ruins of conflict.