Oct. 17, 2026: Kohima College, Kohima, observed its 58th Cultural Day on Friday at the college courtyard under the theme Roots Before Wings. The event brought together students from diverse Naga communities to celebrate their cultural heritage through traditional songs, folk dances and ethnic presentations.
The event featured two special invitees, Mr. Kele William Soleho, Co-Founder of Naga1 App & Proprietor of Magdaline Coaching, and Mr. Kepozo Kapuh, Best Responder Winner, Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament 2026.
The programme was conducted in two sessions. In the first session, Mr. Longoi L and Miss Yimchai Phom served as the comperes. The session began with an invocation by Mr. Pangchui, Secretary of the Evangelical Union, KCK, followed by a welcome address delivered by Ms. Kaholi Chishi, Vice Principal,KCK. In her address she framed culture as the beating heart of shared humanity, describing the gathering as a joyful celebration of life, heritage and harmony.
Special Invitee Mr. Kele William Soleho in his speech connected tradition with entrepreneurship, anchoring his remarks in the event’s theme, Roots Before Wings. Drawing an analogy from the rapid growth and resilience of bamboo, Soleho urged students to integrate indigenous practices such as traditional weaving, local agriculture, and community networking into modern entrepreneurship. Addressing the saturation of government employment, he presented enterprise as an effective remedy for joblessness and shared how he overcame self-doubt and societal pressure by maintaining physical, mental, and spiritual wellness. He reminded students that the greatest tribute students can offer educators is personal success.
Echoing this sentiment, Special Invitee Mr. Kepozo Kapuh emphasized that chasing high social mobility must not come at the cost of cultural erasure. Recounting his experiences representing the state nationally, Kapuh stressed that native dialects, attires, and oral histories embody ancestral wisdom. He encouraged the students to listen to the voices of elders and preserve indigenous knowledge and roots. He challenged students to transcend tribalism, leverage technology for identity rather than mere entertainment, and harmonize Christian principles with their Naga heritage to become beacons of modern change.
The programme featured a cultural presentation titled OH HI YO by Chakhesang students and Miss Unutolu Thuluo presented A Kecha Kemengu. The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Sha Shiu, Social &Cultural Secy., KCSC.
A key highlight of the event was the display of traditional stalls set up by students representing different Naga tribes, each showcasing a variety of traditional Naga cuisines.
In the second session, Miss Manlem A Konyak and Mr. Sangtsoi P served as comperes and Miss Aseley Thevüry was the host for the ethnic show competition. The session featured several cultural competitions, including the Ethnic Show, War Cry, Folk Dance, and Folk Song highlighting the rich traditions and cultural diversity of the participating Naga communities. A special appearance by the Galo Folk Dance group further enriched the cultural programme.
Ms. Sungjeminla, Associate Professor, Dept. of English &Convenor of SWC, declared the results of various cultural competitions.In the Ethnic Show, Mr. Ethnic title was awarded to Mr.Wapong Longkumer representing the Ao community and Miss Ethnic title was awarded to Miss Yonolu representing the Chakhesang community.In War Cry Competition, the first and second prizes were claimed by the Rengma and Sangtam community respectively.In the Folk Song Category, the first and second prizes were claimed by the Chakhesang and Angami community respectively.For Folk Dance, the first and second were claimed by the Zeliang Community and Rengma community respectively.The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ngumilo, Assistant Social &Cultural Secretary, KCK, followed by a benediction pronounced by Miss Kevivono, Prayer Secy.of SCF.
The celebration underscored the significance of preserving cultural identity while embracing progress and new opportunities reinforcing the values of mutual respect, inclusivity and unity.
