A glimpse from the inaugural session of Pow-Wow Lore: Youth Quill and Canvas 2026 — celebrating creativity, culture, and the vibrant spirit of youth at the National-Level Youth Festival. (Photo Courtesy: Tetso College)
Chümoukedima, September 10 (MExN): The national-level youth festival, Pow-woW Lore: Youth Quill and Canvas 2026, opened at Lorin Hall, Tetso College, Chumoukedima on Thursday, bringing together 450 to 500 participants including higher education students from across Nagaland, faculty members, and invited guests.
Organised around literature, art, culture, and creativity, the two-day festival is held in partnership with the Nagaland Influencers Summit 2026 to provide a platform for youth to showcase talents, exchange ideas, and engage beyond conventional classrooms.
Speaking as the chief guest, Proprietor of Synergy Group, Kevitsu Medoze, expressed happiness that Pow-woW Lore has grown into a national-level platform and noted that Tetso College has the potential to host programs of national and international significance.
Appreciating the initiative to create non-academic opportunities, he urged participants to challenge themselves, develop capabilities, and strive for excellence rather than viewing the event merely as a competition. Observing that degrees alone are insufficient in a competitive world, Medoze stressed hard work, teamwork, networking, and life skills. “Without hard work, even AI doesn’t work,” he said, encouraging participants to strive to be the best globally, and suggested that participating institutions build stronger connections and explore student exchange programs.
Deputy Registrar and Dean of Residential Life, Merangtsuba Longkumer, delivered the welcome address, describing the festival as a celebration of art, culture, and youth energy. Invoking the college motto, “Strive for Excellence,” he encouraged students to take home new ideas, friendships, and memories alongside certificates, while acknowledging sponsors, faculty, and organizers.
Convenor Dr Asenla Yanger briefed the gathering on the festival's vision, highlighting creativity as a tool for learning and collaboration and noting that eight higher education institutions have registered for the events.
The inaugural programmer was chaired by Imnajungla Longkumer, third-semester BA Linguistics, and began with the college anthem and a prayer by Kuviete-o Ritse, Resident Coordinator of Sinle Girls’ Home. A traditional “Watering of the Tree of Victory” ceremony symbolized unity and determination. The School of Music presented Dies Irae, followed by the felicitation of the chief guest by Tetso College Director and Chairman Kvulo Lorin.
The festival features a wide array of activities and competitions designed to encourage creative expression, cultural engagement, and skill-building, including poetry slam, declamation, heritage talent showcase, indigenous storytelling, debate, heritage fashion ramp, live painting, spelling bee, hackathon, MadAds, story writing, and cosplay.
