State Level Tribal Painting Competition held in Kohima

DIMAPUR — The Tribal Research Institute, under the Department of Tribal Affairs, Nagaland, organised a State Level Tribal Painting Competition among tribal students in collaboration with the district administration and the District Education Office (DEO), Kohima, at the deputy commissioner’s office, Kohima, on Thursday.

The event was part of the celebrations for the Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh 2024–25, themed “My state, my pride”. According to a DIPR report, a total of thirty-six tribal students from eighteen schools under the DEO Kohima took part in it.

The first position went to Josinlo Kemp (Bayavü Higher Secondary School), the second to Nisuka (Bayavü Higher Secondary School), and the third to Watlong Wangha (Government Higher Secondary School Jotsoma).

Consolation prizes were awarded to Lerao (Government High School, Midland), Bupenmongko Chang (Government High School, Bayavü), and Chekehie Akami (Government Higher Secondary School, Jotsoma).

Each winner received a citation and cash prize, while all participants were given certificates of appreciation for their efforts and creativity.

The judging panel comprised Y Ayem Kongyak, Khrieketounou Lizietsu, and K Onglingaku Chang.

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The day concluded with a programme aligned with the Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh celebrations, attended by officials from the Department of Tribal Affairs, the district administration, the District Education Office, teachers, and students from participating schools.

In his address, Deputy Commissioner Kohima, B Henok Buchem, lauded the students’ paintings as professional and beyond their age. He shared a story of a boy who turned his love for cartoon drawing into a successful art career, reminding students that everyone is gifted differently and that the key is to identify their strengths and nurture them.

Highlighting his “One Day with DC” initiative, he noted that many students ask how to overcome challenges. “Today’s biggest challenge is distraction from mobile phones and social media,” he said. “If you can overcome that, you’re already halfway to success.”

He advised students to balance talent and interest when choosing careers. “Interest without talent won’t last, and talent without interest won’t bring joy,” he said.

Congratulating all participants, Buchem thanked the Department of Tribal Affairs and the DEO Office for their efforts and urged students to use the platform to aim higher.

TL Kiusumong Tikhir, joint secretary for Tribal Affairs, emphasised the importance of encouraging tribal students to showcase their artistic talents while honouring India’s revered tribal leader, Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

He encouraged students to draw inspiration from Munda’s legacy, treating the competition as a celebration of tribal pride and resilience.