Faculty and students during the 6th Historia Diem held at the SJU’s auditorium in Chümoukedima on September 9.
Chümoukedima, September 9 (MExN): The Heritage Club, in collaboration with the Department of History, St Joseph University (SJU), organised the 6th edition of 'Historia Diem' at the university auditorium here on September 8.
Delivering the keynote address on the theme "Echoes of the Past, Voices of the Present," Dr Yilobemo, Head of the Department of History at ICFAI University, underscored the urgency of safeguarding historical legacies in an increasingly globalised world.
He urged the student community to preserve the positive cultural values of their ancestors while discarding outdated or regressive practices. Highlighting emerging academic frontiers, Dr Yilobemo pointed out that fields such as "food culture history" are gaining international traction as vital academic mediums to document and preserve historical customs, noting that cultural heritage forms the bedrock of personal and community identity.
The formal session opened with an invocation prayer by Lituna Shohe, Cultural Secretary of the History Department Association (HDA), followed by a welcome address delivered by HDA President Thinosalie Rino. The proceedings were chaired by Heritage Club member Benzathung Ezung, alongside special musical and dance performances by Longam and undergraduate students. The formal programme concluded with a vote of thanks by HDA General Secretary Longyan and a closing prayer led by Azhowe-U Kapfo.
The informal segment of the event was compered by Epithung and Shishi, featuring competitive events across indigenous tribal folk drama, folk songs, heritage displays, and traditional showcases.
In the folk drama category, postgraduate (PG) Semester III students secured the first position, while undergraduate (UG) Semester III and UG Semester V finished in second and third places, respectively. PG Semester III also clinched the top spot in the folk song competition, followed by UG Semester III in second place and UG Semester I in third.
In the traditional showcase, UG Semester I emerged as the winner, with PG Semester III and PG Semester I bagging the second and third positions, respectively.
In the individual heritage display category, Ariena Moa Changkiri of PG Semester I won the first prize, while Supongmenla (UG-I) and Kevilhou Kevin Chasie (UG-I) secured the second and third positions.
The event drew around 140 participants, including students and faculty members. It was coordinated by Assistant Professor and Department Advisor K Hokato Sumi, alongside the History Department Association of SJU.
