Winners of the Nagaland Influencers Summit Pow-woW Lore 2026: Youth Quill & Canvas, a national-level youth festival with the guest and others at the Amphitheatre, Tetso College, on September 11.
Chümoukedima, September 11 (MExN): Tetso College, Chümoukedima was declared the overall champion of the Nagaland Influencers Summit Pow-woW Lore 2026: Youth Quill & Canvas, a national-level youth festival, at the closing ceremony held at the Amphitheatre, Tetso College, on September 11. St Joseph College, Jakhama, secured the runner-up position.
The ceremony marked the conclusion of the multi-day festival, which brought together young people from across the state to celebrate creativity, culture, literature, artistic expression and the diverse voices of the youth. The event was attended by approximately 800–900 people, including external guests, volunteers, student participants and faculty members from various institutions.
The programme, hosted by Avungthung C Kikon, an MBA third-semester student, commenced with the College Anthem, “Strive for Excellence,” followed by an opening prayer delivered by Talinungsang, Assistant Dean, School of Computer Science and Skill Development.
Delivering the welcome address, Dr Hewasa L Khing, Principal, Tetso College, expressed appreciation to the organisers, sponsors, guests, participants, faculty members and volunteers for their contributions to the festival. She also highlighted the importance of creating platforms that enable young people to explore and showcase their talents.
Nise Meruno, International Concert Pianist and Yamaha Artist, who is also Artistic Director and Adjunct Professor of Music at Tetso College, attended the ceremony as Guest of Honour. Addressing the gathering, he appreciated platforms that provide opportunities for individuals to showcase their talent and creativity through culturally integrated initiatives. Reflecting on life, he described people as “travellers in life” and highlighted three S’s — “Sincerity, Story and Soul” — as guiding principles.
Meruno spoke about his affection for Nagaland, its people, culture and heritage, and encouraged young participants to recognise the connection between artistic expression and character. “Your art can only be as beautiful as your heart,” he said, urging the youth to nurture creativity, purpose and aspiration. He concluded his address with a performance of ‘Kiss the Rain’ by Yiruma.
The closing programme featured “Walk Your Heritage with Pride,” a cultural performance celebrating cultural identity and heritage, followed by “Heroes and Icons: A Cosplay Showcase,” which highlighted creativity and contemporary pop-culture interests among the youth.
The ceremony concluded with closing remarks and the declaration of the overall champion by Dr Asenla Yanger, Convenor, NIS Pow-woW Lore 2026: Youth Quill & Canvas.
In the various events held during the festival, Eastern Christian College won the Poetry Slam (College Level), while the North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR) won the Indigenous Story Telling Slam (College Level). Model Christian College, Kohima, won the Spelling Bee (College Level), and Tetso College won the Mad Ads competition. Tetso College also won the Debate, Phrases of Our People – REEL (Online), Art and Exhibit: Painting, Heritage Stage: Talent Showdown (jointly with NEISSR), Heritage Fashion Ramp and Declamation events.
St Joseph’s College, Jakhama, won the Indigenous Frames – Photostory and Story Writing: From Oral to Written competitions, while Guwahati University won the Cosplay event. St Joseph University won the Hackathon: Innovating Sustainability and Intelligent Solutions for Tomorrow.
