The Mokokchung College of Teacher Education (MCTE), Yimyu, organised its ‘Fusion Fest’from February 27–March, 2024, under the theme “Navigating Our Roots.”

In her welcome address, Dr. T. AlemlaLongkumer, Principal, MCTE, emphasised the need for protection, preservation, and promotion of our physical, social, and cultural environment, which is one of the core values of the college. She also stressed the need to promote our rich value system and practices.

 The event was enriched by the experiences shared by the guest speaker, Shri. P. Tiatemsu, Assistant Professor, Department of Botany, Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung, and Advisor, ArjuCentres Mokokchung, where he emphasised building a resilient work culture, understanding the interconnectedness of all life forms on earth, the value of community life, and the need to preserve Indigenous Knowledge Systems.

Special appearances were made by Mr.Taliyanger and Khensa Students’ Union; the Student Teachers presented a Fusion Harmony representing different Naga tribes; and Imnasenla and Bendangtila presented a special item, ‘Naga Lima’ on Day 1.

Cultural and literary competitions were held among the participating institutions in Mokokchung. The first position in traditional fire making was bagged by Imchatoshi and Katikaba Longkumer (DIET, Mokokchung), followed by Ato V. Achumi and Ngugha Yepho (Fazl Ali College) in the second position, and Nungsangmeren and Tongpangmei (People’s College) in the third position.

For the extempore, the first position was bagged by Medemren (Jubilee Memorial College), the second and third positions by Tiarenla Longchar (Fazl Ali College) and Moasenla (DIET, Mokokchung), respectively. As for the folktale narration, the first position was bagged by Imlimenla B. Longkumer (Jubilee Memorial College), the second and third positions by Imolemla (Mokokchung College of Teacher Education, Yimyu) and Imlikokla (Fazl Ali College), respectively.

 The first position in duet (in local dialects) was won by Khusazungba and Limasenla Langu (Mokokchung College of Teacher Education, Yimyu), and the second position was won by Kimennaro Pongen and Longchady Longchar (Jubilee Memorial College). The prize money for all the cultural and literary competitions was sponsored by the Society of Alumni, MCTE.

The Fest witnessed an amalgamation of both Indigenous (Bamboo Stilt Walking, Pole Climbing, Catapult Shooting, Naga Wrestling, Cucumber Plucking, and Tug-of-War) and Modern Games, where the MCTE family displayed their mantle of sportsmanship and rootedness in one’s culture.

The indigenous games were played with extra vigour and enthusiasm, with the intent of encouraging the younger generation to practice, preserve, and further promote them. Team Hornbill emerged as the overall champion and took home the ‘Champions’ Trophy, which was donated by the principal, MCTE. Indigenous stalls saw the exhibition of various indigenous food items and artistic products made by an alumni and a current student teacher. The stalls also featured photo booths, local cuisine, recreational games, haunted houses, etc., which were exhibited by different clubs of the college.

To celebrate the successful completion of the ‘Fusion Fest,’ the Musical Spectacle was organised, wherein various local artistes—ImlinochetKichu, Aosunep& Friends, Putunaro, Longtsati, and Temsuakum—and student teachers performed mixed genres of music and dance, ending the festival with much pomp and show.

The four-day ‘Fusion Fest’ aimed to bridge the gap between the indigenous and the modern. The festival changed the entire ambience of the college into a rich rainbow of cultural heritage and traditional knowledge. This festival serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving, protecting, and promoting our indigenous culture and environment, and also to inculcate a deep sense of respect for our cultural roots in every individual.

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