WIN Canada Awards: Naga poets, writers honoured

The Writers International Network (WIN) Canada Literary Awards 2026 was conferred during an International Literary Gala hosted at Wangkhao Government College, Mon, under the theme “Celebrating Literature Across Borders.”
According to DIPR report, the event was jointly organized by the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), WGC Mon, and Writers International Network (WIN) Canada.
Dr. Tialila Kikon, principal of WGC Mon, was honored with the Distinguished Poet & Global Poetry Ambassador Award. Vishu Rita Krocha, renowned poet, journalist, and publisher, received the Distinguished Poet & Writer Award, while Mmhonlumo Kikon, noted author and public policy analyst, was also conferred the Distinguished Poet & Writer Award.
Kemya Yanlem, writer and art therapy practitioner, was recognized with the Emerging Writer & Artist Award.
Ashok Bhargava, poet, writer, translator, community activist, and president of WIN Vancouver, Canada, graced the occasion as guest speaker.
He emphasized the uniqueness of individuals, urging the gathering to uphold tradition, literature, poetry, and environment. “Being different is not inferiority, being different means you are proud of what you are,” he said, while introducing the vision of WIN Canada.
The programme featured a Book Talk on “His Majesty’s Head-hunters: The Siege of Kohima that Shaped World History” by Mmhonlumo Kikon, in conversation with W. Wangjin, assistant professor, Department of History. Kemya Yanlem presented “Beyond Words: The Art of Visual Storytelling” through a powerpoint session.
Vishu Rita Krocha, hailed as part of the “Naga Literary Renaissance,” reflected on her journey of publishing over 115 books from Nagaland and beyond.
In her keynote address, Dr. Tialila Kikon underscored literature as a bridge fostering cross-cultural understanding, empathy, and shared human experiences.
“Through literature, the world becomes more than just a collection of nations, but a shared community interlinked by narratives and emotional connections,” she remarked.