NEWS
Celebration of Naga Heritage through Folklore Competition at Salesian College
In a splendid display of cultural preservation and celebration, Salesian College of Higher Education, Dimapur, Nagaland, hosted a captivating folklore competition on September 16. The event with the theme "Preserving Naga Heritage: Tales of Tradition and Culture" witnessed a gathering of staff, students, and distinguished guests to honour and uphold the rich legacy of the Naga community.
A warm welcome by Mrs. Gloria Kamei, Head of the History Department, set the stage by underlining the importance of safeguarding the vibrancy and dynamism inherent in Naga heritage expressed through songs, music, folklore, and more.
The event's crowning glory was the presence of Father Jaison Thomas, the Rector of the Good Shepherd Seminary, as the special guest. In his address, Father Thomas expounded on the 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 amazement at the sheer vibrancy, diversity, and richness 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 the centre 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, enriched by traditional songs and dances, left the audience in wild applause, bearing witness to the effervescent spirit of the Naga heritage.
Principal Dr. Father Paul Punii, in his address, delved into the profound world of oral tales and traditions. He elucidated how these narratives carry the epigraphs of religious beliefs, social behaviours, organizational structures, and priceless artefacts. The folktales, he said, 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 second prize. Kosham, President of the History Department, extended his heartfelt gratitude to the enthusiastic participants and dedicated organizers.
The grand finale featured a soulful thanksgiving prayer led by Sr. Mercy Philip, the Vice Principal, bringing a profound sense of unity and reverence to the proceedings.
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