Faculty and students during the Literary Festival held at Salesian College of Higher Education in Dimapur on September 11.
Dimapur, September 12 (MExN): The Literary Festival of Salesian College of Higher Education was celebrated under the theme “Voices from the Hills”, featuring a series of literary, artistic and cultural competitions.
The festival included off-stage competitions in calligraphy and short story writing, while on-stage events comprised poetry slam, declamation and a cultural song competition (quartet). Cash prizes were awarded to the winners.
The competitions saw enthusiastic participation from students, who displayed creativity, confidence and strong expressive abilities while showcasing the region's rich cultural heritage.
Author Huthuka Sumi, whose recently published novel Giants was brought out by HarperCollins India, was the chief guest. Sumi, who is also a photographer and woodworker, spoke about the transformative power of reading and encouraged young people from the Northeast to tell their own stories.
“As an author from the northeastern part of India, which seldom catches the spotlight, we should take the opportunity to tell our stories,” he said.
“The only one who can silence your voice is yourself. No one can silence you,” Sumi told the students, urging them to “become so good that you can no longer be ignored.”
Independent singer, songwriter and crooner from Nagaland Shau Evans was the guest artist. Known for nostalgic melodies and acoustic covers, Evans performed Fool for You and Dream Girl, adding a musical dimension to the celebration.
Earlier, Streamlet Bathari, HoD, Department of English, welcomed Sumi and Evans, highlighting their respective creative pursuits.
The event was blessed by Dr Sr Merina, Vice Principal, while an exhortation was delivered by Dr Fr Paul Punii, Principal.
The programme concluded with the declaration of results and distribution of cash prizes. The organisers acknowledged the support of FNBA, M/s Shan Enterprises, Hornbill Food & Marketing and other well-wishers in conducting the festival.
