Ura Academy honours Professor D Kuolie and Medo Vizo posthumously with its first Excellence Awards in Literature and Poetry.
KOHIMA — Ura Academy’s Third Annual Writers and Poets Meet 2026 was held at Rev. Beilieü Hall, Ura Academy headquarters, Kohima, on Friday, where the first Ura Academy Excellence Awards in Literature and Poetry were presented posthumously to late Professor D Kuolie and late Medo Vizo.
Each award carries a cash prize of INR 1 lakh and a citation. The awards were received by their respective family members in recognition of their contributions to Tenyidie literature and poetry.
Addressing the gathering, Ura Academy president Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu expressed delight that the first edition of the Writers and Poets Meet has drawn a good number of participants.
He said the response has led to demands for the event to be held annually, a practice that had since continued alongside an increase in the number of books being published.
Dr. Liezietsu emphasised the importance of drama and plays in literature, describing them as an essential literary form.
He highlighted the role of drama in shaping the history of English literature, citing the works of Homer, William Shakespeare and Julius Caesar, among others.
He stressed the need to introduce plays and drama into school curricula to help students build confidence and explore the world of theatre.
He said such activities could also help learners develop their speaking and delivery skills and deepen their understanding of words and their meanings.
Dr. Metuo Liezietsu, secretary of Ura Academy, said the Excellence Awards in Literature and Poetry had been instituted to recognise and honour contributions to the Tenyidie language. He said the awards would be presented annually.
He also actively facilitated the introduction of Tenyidie as a subject at Kohima College and subsequently at Nagaland University, where it progressed to the PhD level.
He further served as editor of Ura Dze, the academy’s monthly Tenyidie magazine, making significant contributions to Tenyidie literature.
The award in poetry was presented posthumously to late Medo Vizo, who had composed more than 500 poems during his lifetime.
A total of 10 books were released at the programme.
They included Razou Kekhrie by Khriebeituonuo Pienyü; Tenyimia Kiya Mu Kehouzho by Neizütso Mekrisuh; Kerü-Thenunuoyo Kedinuo by Vetsüno Ringa and Ruokuolhounuo Pienyü; Rüsoma Rüna nu Nagamia Seyie Nyie Dze by Mhalelie Vimera; and a book on A Kezieu by Mhasivitole Nguliezhu.
Four books by Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu were also released: Kevithu Dze, Weluozou Peyu-u, Thedze Kedzü and Kerüsuö Kehou Diekourei.
Keneikrul Noswe, M Meguo-o and Dzühivol Kweho read out their poems and presented songs based on their compositions.
Earlier, Those Kraho, a member of the Ura Academy board of directors, delivered the welcome address.
Daso Paphino, working president of Ura Academy, chaired the inaugural programme. An obituary reference was also made in memory of those who had contributed to the academy.
The event was the first Ura Academy programme held at the venue following its renaming in honour of the late Rev. Beilieü Shüya, whose legacy is commemorated through the name Rev. Beilieü Hall.