Ülikhrei Folk Group with Col Gaurav Singh SC SM, and his wife during their performance at NINAD 2025, held as part of the celebration of the 25th year of the Himalayan Art, Music & Culture at the Himalayan Cultural Centre, Dehradun, on November 1.
Morung Express News
Kohima | November 2
Ülikhrei Folk Group, a vibrant ensemble of young talents from Chedema village, performed at NINAD 2025 as part of the celebration of the 25th year of the Himalayan Art, Music & Culture at the Himalayan Cultural Centre, Dehradun, on November 1.
Representing the state of Nagaland, the folk group presented traditional folk songs and dances of their ancestors. Their rousing performances received a standing ovation from the audience.
During the inception of Ülikhrei Folk Group, the Director, Dr Keneilhoulie Medom, had envisioned that they would go beyond State performances, and not just represent the Angami tribe, but also go on to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Nagaland on the international stage.
Ülikhrei translates to ‘singing peer group’ wherein ‘Ü’ stands for ‘song’, ‘Li’ means ‘singing’, and ‘Khrei’ means ‘peer group’.
Interestingly, Dr Medom is an anaesthesiologist and currently serves as the Managing Director of KOHIMAS Hospital, who balances his medical profession with his deep passion for music.
“My goal is to elevate our traditions to new heights, allowing the world to experience and appreciate the vibrant culture of our people,” he related to The Morung Express.
He further added that “one of my aspirations for the group is for them to not only preserve our songs and culture but also be able to sustain their livelihoods eventually through their folk music.”
Even as the group gave a stirring performance at Dehradun, Dr Medom also expressed special thanks to Col Gaurav Singh SC SM, former Commanding Officer of the Territorial Army, Jakhama, for hosting and taking care of the folk group at Dehradun.
Ülikhrei was also felicitated by the Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand, Anand Bardhan.
Mention may be made here that the Ülikhrei Folk Group was formed in the year 2022 as a result of their Church Youth Cultural Music Camp, and since its formation, it has performed on numerous occasions across the State, country and beyond.
Dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of their community through music, dance and storytelling, through their energetic performances the ensemble takes audiences on a journey through the traditions and customs of their ancestral homeland.
The group’s repertoire includes folk songs, dances and instrumental pieces that reflect the diversity and richness of their cultural roots.
