Dimapur, September 16, 2023 – In a splendid display of cultural preservation and celebration, Salesian College of Higher Education in Dimapur, Nagaland, played host to a captivating Folklore Competition on September 16th, 2023. The event, graced by the theme “Preserving Naga Heritage: Tales of Tradition and Culture,” witnessed a gathering of staff, students, and distinguished guests who came together to honor and uphold the rich legacy of the Naga community.
The proceedings commenced with a warm welcome by Mrs. Gloria Kamei, Head of the History Department. Mrs. Kamei set the stage by underlining the paramount importance of safeguarding the vibrancy and dynamism inherent in Naga heritage. She illuminated how this heritage finds its voice through songs, music, folklore, and more. Mrs. Kamei left an indelible impression, encouraging the students to remain steadfast in carrying forward these invaluable cultural narratives.
The event’s crowning glory was the presence of Fr. Jaison Thomas, the esteemed Rector of the Good Shepherd Seminary, who graced the occasion as the special guest. In a compelling address, Fr. Thomas expounded on the urgent need to showcase and protect the rich culture, traditions, and heritage of the Naga Community. Drawing from his remarkable three-decade-long journey in Nagaland, he regaled the audience with his amazement at the sheer vibrancy, diversity, and opulence of the Naga tribes. He emphasized the imperative to safeguard the precious legacy of the Naga community and lauded Salesian College for its pivotal role in ensuring the preservation of this cultural treasure trove.
The Folklore Competition was a mesmerizing tableau of talent, with students from various departments taking center stage. They enthralled the audience with skits and dances that paid homage to the folklore of Zeliangrong, Sumi, Ao, and Tangkhul tribes. These performances artfully explored themes of love, sacrifice, lycanthropy, and the arrival of Christianity among the Naga tribes. The skits, further enriched by traditional songs and dances, left the audience in wild applause, bearing witness to the effervescent spirit of the Naga heritage.
Principal Fr. Dr. Paul Punü, in his enlightening address, delved into the profound world of oral tales and traditions. He elucidated how these narratives carry within them the epigraphs of religious beliefs, social behaviors, organizational structures, and priceless artifacts. Folktales, he proclaimed, are the concealed codes of culture, offering an intricate tapestry that reveals the myriad facets of a community and society.
The competition yielded its champions, with the English and Political Science departments jointly claiming the coveted first prize, while the Sociology department secured the prestigious second prize. Kosham, President of the History Department, extended his heartfelt gratitude to the enthusiastic participants and dedicated organizers, attributing their collective efforts to the resounding success of the program.
The grand finale of the event featured a soulful thanksgiving prayer led by Sr. Mercy Philip, the Vice Principal of the college, bringing a profound sense of unity and reverence to the proceedings. In sum, the Folklore Competition at Salesian College of Higher Education in Dimapur emerged as a triumph, driven by the ardent participation of both students and professors alike. It stood as a resplendent testament to the enduring cultural heritage of the Naga community, reaffirming the commitment to preserving and celebrating this cultural legacy for generations to come.
By: Fr Santosh Mundu SDB
