Dr. Rimmei Longmei is an Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Political Science of Tetso College, Dimapur, Nagaland. Before joining Tetso College he was heading the Department of Political Science of St. Anthony’s College, Bydihati Campus for three years in Meghalaya. He was one of the members of the College Discipline, Programme and Sports Committees, and the Chief Coordinator of the 2017 College Week event.
He has over 15 years of teaching experience (2004-2019) and is continuing teaching with great devotion, passion and sincerity. He earned his PhD in 2016 from the Department of Political Science of North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong. His PhD work enquired into the “Role of United Naga Council in Manipur Politics” and also studied the claims and counter-claims politics of different ethnic communities in the Northeast. His other research interest areas include Emerging Issues in World Politics/Relations, National Politics, International Organizations, Contemporary Political Theory and Thought, National Security Issues, Indian Administration, Public Administration, Comparative Government and Politics, Peace and Conflict Studies, Gender Studies, Women and Politics, International law and Human Rights.
Also, Dr. RimmeiLongmei is one of the proud recipients of 100% or Perfect Attendance Award given by the Tetso College to Teachers and Students. He was also awarded for the best performance of his students securing distinction in the last Nagaland University examinations.
Currently, he is the College Sports Coordinator, member of the College Research Committee, IQAC and Pow-Wow Committee of Tetso College.
Dr. Rimmei Longmei is a disciplined teacher, a great mentor, organizer and manager with leadership skills. He is also an experienced motivational speaker and an active participant in curricular and co-curricular activities. As a political science teacher and social and political scientist, he works hard every day for the better understanding of the social and political concepts and their meaningful applications.
3T: Why did you become a Teacher?
Dr. Rimmei: I became a teacher because my inner voice told me to be in this noble profession to make a difference – positive impact – in the lives of as many students as I can. As far as I can recall/remember, it all started way back in 2004 when I became a school teacher for the first time. I struggled to understand what this teaching profession all about is and what my real desire is. Over time, I believe that I am doing the right thing here.
3T: What do you think is the greatest challenge facing teachers today?
Dr. Rimmei: Doing teaching justice. If teachers really want to do justice, they will have to work much harder to impact lives and empower people towards life-long excellence. To be able to cope with the work of a teacher in a changing world is another challenge.
3T: What do you think about technology in education?
Dr. Rimmei: Technology is a driving force behind social change. In education, it supports both teaching and learning. In the new normal, the role of technology in education can be seen through technological applications in the teaching and learning processes.
3T: The 6th semester results were declared recently, what is your take on the results of our college and other colleges in Nagaland?
Dr. Rimmei: I am happy with the results. I am satisfied that three students of our college found a place in toppers list. This time the pass percentage for all the departments is cent percent. In my department, Lushian is among the top 10 students in Political Science at state level securing the 7th position. I congratulate all our graduating students and wish them more success ahead. For all the colleges, there are ample rooms for improvement.
3T: What are your interests or hobbies besides teaching?
Dr. Rimmei: Playing sports (football, volleyball, basketball, badminton, etc.), exercising and healthcare, making or listening to music, reading the news and gardening.
3T: What can you cook to perfection? Are you willing to share the recipe?
Dr. Rimmei: Fried Fish Curry. I can make the tastiest fried fish curry. Select the best fish to take home. Wash fish pieces nicely and fry them until they become golden brown and crunchy. Then cook the fried fish pieces with bamboo shoot either fresh or fermented (Bas Tenga). Add coriander just before you take the pan down from the gas stove or fire.
3T: In which other teacher’s class would you like to enroll, even for a day and why?
Dr. Rimmei: If I am given an opportunity, I would like to listen to our Principal Dr. P.S. Lorin to learn beyond books.
3T: What is one of your hidden talents?
Dr. Rimmei: I think I can sing… but till date I have not seriously developed it.
3T: What are your must-have smart phone apps?
Dr. Rimmei: Pocket, VLC Player, CamScanner, Evernote, Dropbox, Flex, Google Drive, Gmail, Dictionary, Google Classroom, Google Meet, Zoom, Hangouts, Skype, Maps, Mobile Banking Apps, Paytm, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Google Play Store, etc.
3T: Is there a quote or saying that you live your life by?
Dr. Rimmei: I really like what Mahatma Gandhi famously said, “You must be the change you want to see in the world”; “The world has enough for everyone’s needs, but not for everyone’s greed”. I also like to remember what is given in the Bible in James 1:8 “He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways” and agree with the Roman poet Juvenal who said “healthy mind lives in a healthy body (mens san in corporesano) and I try to follow these philosophies of life.