NEISSR fest kicks-off with ‘cultural day’ on the theme ‘Engage, energize, evolve’

DIMAPUR — North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR), Chümoukedima, flagged off its first ‘NEISSR fest’ on May 1 with the inaugural-cum-cultural day held on the theme ‘Engage, energize, evolve.’

The NEISSR fest, which will continue till May 5, is organised by the Students’ Council for Social Change (SCSC) NEISSR, in collaboration with the Peace Forum, Youth Forum, Community Forum and IQAC cell NEISSR, with an aim to bring together the students to discuss, participate, and exchange ideas to bring about changes in the society, an update stated.

The special guest, Dr. Fr. Pappu Samy, who earlier served as the parish priest of Kohima Diocese and also in the USA, in his address stated that culture is the lovely aspect of human life, dignity, respect and appreciation within the social unit.

Fr. Samy encouraged the students to practice and preserve one’s culture and other cultures as well. No culture should dominate other culture for the growth of human as a whole, he added.

Principal NEISSR, Dr. Fr. CP Anto, spoke on the importance of culture in the society, quoting “multi-culture is the real culture of the world — a pure race doesn’t exist.”

Fr. Anto also said that even though different ethnicities signify different customs and traditions, yet human beings are bound and united as one.

He appreciated the “cheering and encouraging attitude” of the Naga culture and said it ignites the young minds to feel appreciated and build confidence. Stating that a “nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people,” he further encouraged the students to preserve, practice, and promote the rich culture of the Nagas.

The programme showcased the different culture of the Nagas including folk song by the Lotha tribe based on the harvest season, indicating the joy, laughter and merry making within the village and the tribesmen.

A special tribal dance was presented by BSW second semester students, followed by folk fusion song by the Sumi tribe, wishing the students to be trained with wisdom and knowledge and prosper in the future.

A cultural show exhibiting the varied colours and ethnicities of the different tribes of the Nagas was performed by the students, projecting the richness and diversity of the Nagas.

Earlier, SCSC cultural secretary, Ejewalem welcomed all the participants and said the cultural day was organised with the main aim to bring every tribe together “in order to interact and infuse greater understanding among ourselves through exchanging ideas and culture.”

The programme, which started with invocation prayer by Vice Principal NEISSR, Fr. Khing, concluded with display of indigenous games such as bamboo pole climbing, cock fight, spear kick etc.

It may be mentioned NEISSR is the first and the only master of social work college under Nagaland University, managed by the Diocese of Kohima.

Also read: NEISSR conducts ‘Rural camp’ for MSW students in Zunheboto