Mokokchung, Kiphire and Kohima celebrate World Photography Day

MOKOKCHUNG/KIPHIRE — The Mokokchung Photography Club (MPC) on Tuesday marked World Photography Day 2025 with a vibrant street photography initiative themed ‘My favourite photo’, capturing the essence of Mokokchung’s daily life.

Local photographers and enthusiasts roamed the town’s streets, documenting candid moments of people, surroundings, and culture, showcasing the power of photography as a medium for storytelling and cultural preservation.

Armed with cameras, the club members explored various locations across Mokokchung, freezing fleeting moments that reflect the town’s unique character. The initiative aimed to elevate photography beyond a hobby or profession, promoting it as a tool to narrate stories, preserve heritage, and inspire new perspectives.

The event fostered community engagement, with passersby showing enthusiasm, some even posing for spontaneous portraits, adding a lively dimension to the activity.

Also read: Supongmeren seeks expansion of NABARD, train service extension into Nagaland

Moa Among Pongen, General Secretary of MPC, addressed the participants, highlighting the significance of the occasion. “World Photography Day is a chance to freeze moments that might otherwise fade, encouraging young photographers to pursue their craft with passion and responsibility,” he said.

The initiative provided an interactive platform for members to exchange ideas, learn techniques, and connect with the community, strengthening the local photography ecosystem.

Jonathan Ao, a senior MPC member, underscored the broader vision of the event.

“Through such initiatives, we aim to raise awareness about photography’s role in society while nurturing talents who can represent Mokokchung and Nagaland on larger platforms through their lenses,” he said.

The street photography activity not only celebrated the art form but also highlighted its potential to document but to share Mokokchung’s cultural richness to a broader audience.

The Photography Club Kiphire also celebrated its first ever photography programme-cum-first exhibition at Agape Higher Secondary School auditorium.

Guest speaker Moses Newmai, District Cultural Officer, extended his appreciation to the photography community of Kiphire for organising the event, which provided a platform to upcoming photographers and enthusiast to learn and grow.

Newmai shared his passion for photography, highlighting how pictures preserve cherished memories and happiness, transcending time.

P Lipichem, proprietor of Agape HSS, shared that “the pioneer photographers in the district take responsibility in leading the upcoming young photographers guiding, inspiring and giving a helping hand towards the right path for growth and sustainability.”

President of Photography Club Kiphire, Kitoka Sangtam, extended gratitude towards all supporters, well-wishers and attendees for their sincere dedication and encouragement which helped in the success of the first edition programme of the club.

The event was made possible with the support of Ihsa Coffee Cafe , Kiphire Printing Press, Smoky Pots Cafe & Restaurant and Agape HSS.

Meanwhile, the Photography Club Kohima also celebrated its 5th anniversary, coinciding with the World Photography Day, at Khonoma village, an update stated.

Speaking on the occasion as resource person, Pelevizo Meyase, freelance photographer and filmmaker, shared his experiences on wildlife and landscape photography and his works which includes documenting clouded leopard population survey in Nagaland, while working closely with Dr. Giri, an Independent researcher.

Lt. Col. Amit Shukla, PRO & Spokesperson, Ministry of Defence, Manipur, Nagaland and Southern Arunachal Pradesh, also spoke on the occasion.

Altogether, 18 members participated in the celebration where a village tour and visitation of paddy fields while exploring the areas through the lens was conducted.

Later, Velukho Nakro was inducted as the new president of the Photography Club, Kohima replacing Suchamayang Kichu.

Read more: From Wheelchair to Wireless: Youth with cerebral palsy builds SIM hub in Jalukie