Nagaland
Literature beyond classroom: Baptist College Kohima hosts literature fest
Dimapur, July 30 (EMN): The department of English, Baptist College Kohima has hosted its 3rd edition literature fest on July 28.
According to a press release received here on Monday from the college, Dr. Sentinaro Tsuren, head of English dept. in her introductory note said the pressed-for time, college curriculum and schedule makes it almost impossible for students to venture into other areas besides their academic duties and assignments. Therefore, she said the department had initiated this platform in 2016 “with a vision to enhance diverse thinking among students so that they can hone their creative spirit and imagination.” The purpose of the fest was not just for entertainment but to celebrate the importance of literature beyond the classroom, she added.
Besides, three simultaneous workshops on academic writing, creative writing and photography, the event activities included reading tournament and essay writing competition.
The first online “Open Short Story Prize 2018” was also introduced, which it claimed to have received an overwhelming response with entries coming in even from beyond Nagaland, the press release stated.
The chief judge for ‘Open Short Story Prize’ was Dr. Easterine Kire, a poet and a writer. The resource persons and guest judges were Mego Yalie, freelance photographer; Vishu Rita Krocha, poet and publisher; Dr. Rukulu K Puro, founder and chief instructor, CUE Academy; and Dr. Adenuo S, Luikham, asst. prof. English, Don Bosco College, Kohima.
It has mentioned that the book fair was enhanced to a new level this year with the participation of two publishers from Guwahati – Rawat Publications and Nivedita. Other participants were Barkweaver Publications, PenThrill Publication House, Ilandlo, Gutouch and Little Niceties.
Students also put up art and craft stalls, food stalls and a photo booth for fund raising. In the open mic session, students from various colleges of Kohima took the stage to perform original material in front of a live audience. The performance included sharing of poetry, stories, songs, stand-up comedy and beat boxing. The audience was also enthralled by the special appearance of Table 3, the featured artiste for the day.
The fest culminated with a one-act play, songs, and poetry set to music performed by the students of English department. Prizes were given away by Fr. Dr. Joy Thomas of St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama.
The press release stated that the college’s literature fest ‘is the only one of its kind in the entire state.’ In its third edition this year, the fest had student participants from almost all the colleges in Kohima.