Wangkhao Government College, Mon, hosts ‘International Literary Gala.’
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DIMAPUR — The Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), Wangkhao Government College (WGC), Mon, and Writers International Network, Canada, organised an ‘International Literary Gala’ on the theme ‘Celebrating literature across borders’ at Wangkhao Government College on February 7.
Guest speaker Ashok Bhargava, poet, writer, translator, community activist and president of Writers International Network, said that “poetry, beauty, dreams, aspiration exist in every one of us,” a DIPR report stated.
He said that each one is unique, and it all depends on how they influence their environment and how their environment influences them. Bhargava also challenged the gathering to stand up for who they are, and not what other people want them to be.
He urged them to keep the tradition, literature, poetry, and environment alive because being different is not inferiority, being different means they are proud of what they are.
Bhargava also presented the Writers International Network (WIN) Canada Literary Awards 2026 to the following: Mhonlumo Kikon, poet, author and public policy analyst; Vishu Rita Krocha, poet, author, journalist and publisher; Kemya Yanlam, writer, artist, social activist and art therapist; and Dr. Tialila Kikon, poet author & educator.
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Writers International Network also acknowledged IQAC Wangkhao Government College, Mon.
Vishu Rita Krocha shared her past experiences and said the environment where she grew up influenced her to be a writer.
After publishing over 115 books from Nagaland, including a few titles from Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, over the last decade, she said Naga Literature is on a growing trend.
She said the state as a whole is yet to fully realise the potential of Naga literature because writing itself is a lonely endeavour and most Naga communities do not seem to understand how important this endeavour is, as a shared commitment towards preserving their very identity.
“But there are definitely individual literary enthusiasts whose passion and determination are ensuring that we keep the growing literary scene in the state alive,” Krocha said.
She also stated that many researchers are “going back to tracing our history and roots, which only points to the fact that literature plays a crucial role in documenting and preserving our rich cultural traditions including our folklore, myths and legends.”
“When there is a growing body of writers as well as readers, there is a growing recognition of the importance of preserving and sharing our unique cultural narratives and that continue to tell our stories to the world,” she added.
In her keynote address, Principal of WGC Dr. Tialila Kikon, said that literature serves as a vital bridge that connects the world by promoting cross-cultural understanding, empathy, friendship and shared human experiences across borders.
She said that literature enables readers to explore diverse perspectives, historical contexts, and global issues transcending geographical limitations and uniting people through the universal themes of love, humanity, struggle, hope and aspiration.
Kikon said through literature, the world becomes more than just a collection of nations, but a shared community interlinked by narratives and emotional connections.
“Literature is a versatile ambassador. It is considered a ‘melting pot’ of all subjects because it acts as a mirror to society, covering every aspect of human life though and experiences,” she said.
A book talk on ‘His Majesty’s Head-Hunters: The Siege of Kohima that Shaped World History,’ authored by Mmhonlumo Kikon, was held in conversation with W Wangjin, Assistant Professor, Department of History.
Kemya Yanlam gave a PowerPoint presentation on ‘Beyond Words: The Art of Visual Storytelling.’
The programme was chaired by Manyei Kuhmeishu N, Assistant Professor, while opening remarks was proposed by Dr. Esther P Konyak, Vice Principal, WGC.
A student ensemble presented Wanghe Ongching, and the closing remark was made by Honjem Konyak, IQAC Coordinator, WGC.