DIMAPUR: Ura Academy organised its 3rd Writers and Poets Meet at Rev. Beilieü Hall, Ura Academy, Badi, on Friday, bringing together writers, poets, academicians, students and literary enthusiasts to celebrate literary achievements and promote the preservation of Naga literary and cultural heritage.
The inaugural session was chaired by Ura Academy working president Daso Paphino. Bible reading and prayer were led by board director Rev. Khrotso Mero, while the welcome address was delivered by board director Those Kraho. Dr. Medongulie Tseikhanuo and Sahu Peseyie led the gathering in songs.
A major highlight of the programme was the posthumous conferment of the Ura Academy Award 2026 on late Prof. Dr. D. Kuolie and late Medo Vizo in recognition of their outstanding contributions to literature and poetry. The awards, which carried a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh each along with citations, were presented by Ura Academy secretary Dr. Metuo Liezietsu.
The event also witnessed the release of ten books by various authors, contributing to the promotion of literature and the preservation of indigenous knowledge and cultural identity.
Four books authored by Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu were released: Kevithu Dze, Weluozou Peyu-u, Thedze Kedzü and Kerüsuo Kehou Diekourei. Other titles released included Razou Kekhrie by Khriebeituonuo Pienyii; Tenyimia Kiya mu Kelhouzho by Neiziitso Mekrisuh; Kerü-Thenunuoyo mu Kedinuoyo, translated by Vetsüno Ringa and Ruokuolhounuo Pienyü; Riisoma Riiina nu Nagamia Seyie Nyie Dze by Mhalelie Vimera; and A Kezieu and U Kenei Geizo by Mhasivito Nguliezhü.
Speaking on translated literature, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu shared insights into Teikado Kedukhri, the Tenyidie translation of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, underscoring the importance of translation in making world literature accessible to local readers.
The programme also featured musical and folk performances by Keneikriil Noswe and friends, and M. Meguo-o and Dzuvihol Kweho, showcasing the richness of traditional music and folk expression.
The second session was chaired by Dr. Khriivolii Keyho, Assistant Professor, Department of Tenyidie, Nagaland University. The invocation was pronounced by Ura Academy board director Rev. Tsolie Chase. A special folk song was presented by Shoyisa Rhakho and friends, while students from the Department of Tenyidie, Nagaland University, also performed.
Advisor to the Ura Academy Library, Vizonyü Liezietsu, addressed the gathering and highlighted the academy’s literary and cultural initiatives.
