Principal, Oriental Theological College, Yangli
“While educating the minds of our youth, we must not forget to educate their heart”
– Dalai Lama
Greetings from the desk of the Principal, Oriental Theological College.
Oriental Theological College (OTC) is a premier theological educational institution affiliated to Asia Theological Association in Yangli Mission Centre, under Tuensang district in the eastern part of Nagaland, India. It is sponsored and ran by United Sangtam Baptist Lithroti Ashimükhong (USBLA). The community culture is vibrant as its history is rich. OTC started its journey in the year 1980 as Oriental Bible School (OBS) with the aim to provide theological education and to train young women and men for God’s ministry. It was established by USBLA with late T. Lanuyanger Sangtam as the first headmaster with 56 (fifty six) students. Lanuyanger was a visionary, a dedicated pastor, a visionary leader and had a vision of theological education for the Sangtams. We came a long way from those early years. In 1996, the OBS was upgraded to college level and named the same as Oriental Theological College (OTC) under the chairmanship of late Shri. C. K. Sangtam IAS (RTD), and was inaugurated on 12th July, 1996 by Shri. S. K. Sangtam Hon’ble Minister Nagaland. The college was started with 14 students with Mr. T. Tsangkhuchu as its acting Principal – cum – Academic Dean. The present college inherited the land and the building of the OBS. Today, the OTC community is a leading place for young people to emerge as torchbearers of the world. OTC has produced several leaders at local and national level as missionaries, pastors and church leaders.
It gives me immense pleasure to place on record the fact that OTC, the visionary dream of our USBLA leaders, whose little mission decades ago to transform a small school into a big college, has unfolded into an institution of glorious past and great future.
In order to accomplish our vision and mission, we are prepared to undertake any possible effort for the betterment of academic scenario. We believe that theological education is an effective medium of social transformation. We obtain encouragement, looking at the bright and successful careers of students which subsequently benefit the church and society. We feel proud that we are part of the institution striving towards excellence which is shaping the community and beyond.
OTC is an amalgamation of competent teachers, infrastructure and an experienced and efficient management, safe and supportive environment for its students and provide a perfect balance of academics, sports, artistic and social opportunities.
It is a genuine concern of our institution to ensure students mental, emotional and spiritual growth along with intellectual excellence. This empowers them to develop their self esteem, confidence, optimistic attitude and spiritually sound life. Our student population is multi-cultural and multi-linguistic hence we teach students the importance of tolerance and respect for each other’s language and culture. Discipline, values and integrity based on Biblica are the foundations of this institution. Our vision is to produce theologically and biblically well molded young women and men who will go out into the world and make us proud.
I can foresee that everyone who has entered OTC will certainly go out as responsible person with values. And this will help us to achieve our motto “Go teach the world” to create a civilization of love in the church and society. We are going to start more courses from next academic session. Come everyone, let’s give our best and make this institution a modern temple of learning through our support, diligence, devotion and dedication. Wishing you all to give the best to make our OTC grow and shine.