A participant of 8th Literature Fest of Baptist College Kohima on October 11.
Kohima, October 13 (MExN): The Department of English, Baptist College, Kohima (BCK) has conducted its 8th Edition of BCK Literature Fest on October 11 at the Rivenburgs Memorial Chapel Hall, Kohima.
The fest, themed “Tales and Trails,” celebrated the enduring power of storytelling and the literary journeys it inspires. The event brought together students, faculty, and a special guest for a day filled with literary engagement and creative expression.
The inaugural session was chaired by P. Wondanglo Tsopoe, Asst.Prof., Dept. of English.
Dr.Tsenbeni, HoD, delivered the opening remarks and outlined the objectives of the event, emphasizing its nature as an internal activity. This approach aimed to exclusively showcase the talents of the students and provide them with a platform for self-expression and growth.
The highlight of this session was a talk by the guest speaker, Runshito Lims, a poet and author. In a conversational and folksy style, he shared his literary journey, beginning from his student days, the challenges he faced, and the inspirations that shaped his path. He particularly stressed the cultural importance of storytelling in preserving one’s identity.
Lims also recalled how attending the 2019 edition of the same literature fest, where he met authors like Easterine Kire and Vishü Rita Krocha, significantly influenced his decision to pursue writing.
Following the inaugural session, a film screening was held featuring adaptations of texts from the current syllabus, including Sophocles’ Oedipus the King, Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca, and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.
Literary competitions based on similar themes were also organized.
In the Short Story Writing Competition, themed “Our Identities, Our Stories,” Nukhruzo Tetseo of BA 5th Semester and Iwuka Swu of BA 1st Semester secured the first and second positions respectively.
In the group category, the BA 5th Semester students from Kohima Campus won the Poetry in Painting competition.
Their romantic-style collective painting inspired by William Blake’s poem “The Chimney Sweeper” was adjudged as the best artwork.
The closing session of the fest was chaired by Süvilü Venuh, Asst. Prof, Dept. of English.
A debate competition on the topic “Digital Distractions are the Biggest Threat to Modern Reading Habits” was moderated by Dr Ghunato Neho, Asst Professor.
Participants engaged in a thought-provoking discussion, with the team supporting the motion arguing that digital distractions, particularly social media and mobile technology, have significantly shortened attention spans and diminished meaningful engagement with literature. In contrast, the team opposing the motion contended that digital platforms are transforming rather than destroying reading habits, as blogs, articles, and audio books have made literature more accessible and helped promote global literacy. After a spirited exchange of ideas, the panel of judges declared the team against the motion as the winners of the debate. Apuka Zhimo of BA 1st Semester was named the Best Speaker. A closing prayer was pronounced by Rozila Sangtam, Asst. Prof, Dept. of English.
