Nagaland: Joyce Workshop held at Kohima College with Irish Embassy

Kohima College, in collaboration with the Embassy of Ireland, hosted a literary workshop titled “James Joyce in Kohima: An Immersive Literary Workshop” facilitated by Kaivalya Plays, New Delhi, Artistic Director, Varoon P. Anand.
The programme was jointly organised by the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), the Departments of English and Functional English, and the Music and Drama Club.
According to Kohima College Mass Media Cell, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Ireland, Raymond Mullen, visited the college during the event and held a brief meeting with the principal. Mullen informed that the Embassy selects one Indian state annually for focused cultural collaboration, and this year Nagaland was chosen, with Kohima College representing the state.
The workshop introduced students to Joyce’s works through an interactive, movement-based approach. Anand led participants through exercises in reflective writing, improvisation, creative expression, sensory engagement and collaborative participation.
Drawing on Joyce’s short story “Eveline”, participants explored themes of memory, family expectations, emotional conflict and decision-making. Writing prompts encouraged them to reflect on what they see, hear and remember; what their families expect of them; and what they desire but hesitate to express. These activities highlighted parallels between Joyce’s Dublin and the lived experiences of young people in Kohima.
Group activities such as “Clap If You…” encouraged recognition of shared challenges—balancing family obligations, navigating identity and dealing with tradition—reinforcing the universality of Joyce’s themes. Faculty members observed that the immersive workshop offered a fresh approach to complex literary texts, while students shared that it enhanced confidence, creativity and appreciation for Joyce’s work. The collaboration with the Embassy of Ireland marks a significant milestone for Kohima College, underscoring its commitment to interdisciplinary learning and global cultural exchange.