Kohima College hosted its 56th Cultural cum Literary Day themed “Celebrating Ethnicity & Diversity,” with a vibrant array of events that showcased the rich cultural tapestry of the region. The event was chaired by Chalienuo Metha, a 2nd semester student, and began with a welcome address by Shungthai Angh, the Cultural Secretary of the Kohima College Students’ Council (KCSC). Assoc Prof. Tenoseno Angami from the Department of History delivered the benediction.
The day featured a series of competitions that highlighted the diverse ethnic traditions of the region. The War Cry Competition, judged by Dr. Keduolhoulie Belho and Mhalevolie Solo, saw students evoking traditional war cries from the Angami, Phom, Sumi, and Chakhesang tribes. The Debate Competition, with judges Temjeninla Longchari, Dr. Neikehienuo Mepfuo, and Zavikhoto Phinyo, addressed the topic “In today’s competitive job market, college degree indispensable criteria for securing a disputable position.” Students were evaluated on their organisation of thought, clarity, and audience engagement.
The Folk Song Competition, judged by Medongulie Tsiekhanuo, Dr. Thoshusie Katiry, and Dr. Medongunuo Ngone, featured songs from the Sangtam, Chakhesang, Pochury, and Yimkhiung tribes.
The Guest of Honour, Dr. Meyisangla Longkumer, Joint Director of the Tribal Affairs Department, Government of Nagaland, emphasised the importance of cultural heritage and diversity. She encouraged students to maintain an empathetic mindset and continue learning to compete globally. Dr. Longkumer also donated Rs. 50,000 to the Kohima College Students’ Council Fund.
Other competitions included the Folk Dance Competition, judged by Temjenninla Longchari, Abeni Zuchamo, and Mhasivilie Zhole, where students showcased dances from the Sumi, Ao, Zeliangrong, and Angami tribes. The Extempore Speech Competition, judged by Dr. Azhanuo Peki, Dr. Petevino Chase, and Khrielieü Zumvu, assessed students on relevance, factual arguments, and audience engagement.
The event also featured an Ethnic Visual Show from various tribes, including Ao, Angami, Bihari, Chakhesang, Chang, Konyak, Lothas, Nepali Gorkha, Pochury, Phom, Rengma, Sumi, Sangtam, Tikhir, Yimkhiung, and Zeliangrong. The Signature Dish Competition, judged by Dr. Meyisangla Longkumer, Dr. Azhanuo Peki, and Khriezenuo Angami, concluded the day’s festivities.
The winners of the competitions were announced as follows:
- Painting Competition: Jongtie P Khiamniungan (1st prize), Sinisha Kent (2nd prize), Theguoneizo Rutza (3rd prize)
- Essay Competition: Jetei S (1st prize), Wati Lkr (2nd prize), Thejasenuo Metsieo (3rd prize)
- Poetry Competition: Samlam (1st prize), Sekhumla M (2nd prize), Vilu Pohina (3rd prize)
- Debate Competition: Mülünielü Sakhamo (1st prize), Joel Solo (2nd prize), Yukhase H. Jingru (3rd prize)
- Extempore Speech: Opeichipen Chang (1st prize), Merübeinuo Zumu (2nd prize), Bowe Elah (3rd prize)
- War Cry: Senyamo Kath (1st prize)
- Folk Song: Sangtam Union (1st prize), Chakhesang Union (2nd prize)
- Folk Dance: Zeliang Union (1st prize), Rengma Union (2nd prize)
- Signature Dish: Lotha Union (winner)
The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Sitenlo Kath, Assistant Cultural Secretary, and a Closing Prayer by Devo Thisa, President of the Evangelical Union, KCK. The day was a testament to the college’s commitment to celebrating and preserving the diverse cultural heritage of the region.
