Department of History at St Joseph University organised the 2nd Heritage Diem on October 4.
Chümoukedima, October 7 (MExN): The Department of History at St Joseph University (SJU) organised the 2nd Heritage Diem under the theme ‘Intergenerational Knowledge of Art and Craft: Preservation and Continuity’ on October 4.
The special guest, Dr Tolto Metha, member of Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency and founder of the “Save the Amur Falcons in Nagaland” initiative, spoke on the importance of culture and identity. He highlighted bamboo as “Green Gold” and its growing significance in the global economy, urging the youth to respect and continue traditional arts and crafts.
Dr Tolto encouraged students to explore their cultural roots and engage with the Hornbill Festival to experience Nagaland’s rich heritage, stated a press release from SJU.
Prof Dr Avinuo Chupuo, Head of the Department of History, introduced the event highlighting the significance of Heritage Diem and the launch of a Virtual Museum to celebrate and preserve Nagaland’s rich cultural heritage.
The event featured cultural performances by students, including a Yimkhiung folk song, “Yimkhiungrü Sanji Sura,” a Sangtam folk song, “Oh, Oh Ei Ho,” and a traditional Sumi folk dance titled “Aphila Kuwo.”
Earlier, Dr A Robert Xavier, Registrar of SJU, delivered the keynote address, emphasising the importance of preserving Nagaland’s diverse cultural heritage. He stressed that Heritage Diem serves as a platform to promote cultural values, identity, and community spirit.
The programme attracted over 230 students, along with 65 participants showcasing wooden and bamboo crafts. Judges for the exhibition included Bode Swuro and Neivito Vitsu, founders of 3 Atifs.
Rev Sr Thaines Mary, Deputy Registrar of SJU, gave the valedictory address, emphasizing the importance of practicing cultural traditions to prevent them from vanishing. She commended all participants for their dedication to cultural continuity and urged students to stay informed by reading newspapers about exemplary Nagas excelling in various fields.
The winners were as follows: Wooden crafts: first -Department of Social Work; second-Department of Zoology; third- Department of Sociology. Bamboo Crafts: first-Department of History; second-Department of Civil Engineering; third -Department of Psychology and Counselling.
