Vision HSS Diphupar celebrates literary and cultural heritage

CHÜMOUKEDIMA, OCTOBER 18 (MExN): Vision Higher Secondary School, Diphupar, Chümoukedima, celebrated its Literary and Cultural Day 2026 on Friday, highlighting the importance of preserving indigenous languages, traditions and community stories while encouraging students to develop their literary and creative abilities.Addressing the gathering as the special invitee, journalist, documentary filmmaker, photographer and storyteller Moses Hongang Chang emphasised that cultural identity begins at home and is strengthened through education, literature and interactions with others. “Our culture and our identity begin at home,” Chang said, urging students to understand the meaning and history behind their traditions rather than merely participating in festivals or wearing traditional attire.He highlighted the importance of mother tongues, describing them as the languages through which people first learn to express their feelings and understand the world. While encouraging students to learn English and other languages to access wider opportunities, he cautioned against undervaluing their own languages.“Every language carries its own expressions, humour, wisdom, and history,” he said, adding that when younger generations stop speaking a language, they risk losing not only words but also the stories and knowledge associated with it.Drawing from his fieldwork and interactions with communities, Chang encouraged students to listen to elders and document their experiences, traditional practices and oral histories. He noted that valuable knowledge often exists beyond textbooks, in the memories of elders, the skills of traditional artisans and the songs passed down through generations.“Sometimes, a conversation that seems ordinary today may become a valuable memory tomorrow,” he said, urging students to take an active interest in their community's history and preserve stories with the permission of those who share them.Chang also encouraged students to cultivate a habit of reading and writing, particularly about their own communities and experiences. He said literature should not be treated merely as a subject to pass in examinations but as a means of understanding people, exploring different perspectives and expressing one's own experiences.“We Nagas are good writers. You just need to discover which writing style you are good at,” he said, encouraging students to write about their villages, childhood memories, inspiring people and changes taking place around them.Speaking on cultural diversity in Nagaland, Chang said pride in one's identity should go hand in hand with respect for others. He stressed that appreciating one's own language and traditions does not mean considering them superior to those of another community.“Being proud of your culture does not mean believing that it is better than someone else’s,” he said, adding that schools have an important role in helping students respect different backgrounds and learn from one another.He further observed that culture extends beyond traditional attire, music, dance, food and festivals, and is reflected in how people treat their neighbours, welcome visitors, care for elders and support one another during difficult times.In his concluding remarks, Chang left students with three messages: know their roots, respect the roots of others and recognise their role in shaping the future of their communities. He urged them to embrace education and modern opportunities without becoming disconnected from their heritage.“If our culture begins at home, then its future begins with us,” he said, adding that preserving cultural heritage requires people to listen, read, write and share their stories.The programme opened with a presentation by the Yimkhiung Community and included a formal session hosted by Elen, assistant teacher, and Zubemo of Class 11. The session featured an invocation by Y Anger, chaplain, a welcome speech by Tokingla of the Literary Committee and a recitation by Razou of the committee.Other highlights included a war cry competition featuring “Ni Jisu Toi Shilu Pelo” by the Sümi Community, a folk fusion competition and “The Old Storyteller,” presented by Kemcina and Ajungla Rachel.The programme also featured a yarn rolling competition and indigenous games, including bamboo climbing, stilt walking, car race, fat eating, fire making, Vision’s Strength Athletes (2026) and tug of war.Asang of the Literary Committee delivered the vote of thanks, while Starwood of the committee pronounced the benediction.