Nagaland ‘Weaves of Empathy’ held in Kohima

Weaves of Empathy, a one-day gathering under the Naga oral history- a project by Project Empathy was held on November 22 at Hotel Vivor Kohima.
The project, an initiative of Project Empathy, captures intergenerational stories of care, resilience, and emotional wisdom from Naga families.
Chief guest, Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, praised the film as “deeply meaningful.” He reflected on the unique empathy and community bonds in Naga society, where celebrations and losses are shared.
Metha emphasized that such works are vital for preserving culture and fostering unity in a divided world, stating, “Unity is the road to survival strengthened through the empathy passed down by our elders.”
Vibha Lakhera, founder of Project Empathy, shared her personal connection to Nagaland and the project’s intent to “listen deeply.” She highlighted the crucial role of youth in preserving fading oral traditions by recording elders’ memories. Lakhera commended filmmaker Parasher Baruah and composer Khyochano TCK for their artistic contributions.
Lakhera also reflected on her first visit to Nagaland, recalling how she felt an immediate sense of comfort, despite knowing neither the language nor the place. She spoke of the warmth and sincerity she found in everyday interactions, particularly the sense of safety and dignity accorded to women. This feeling, she said, remained with her and eventually led her back to Nagaland years later as she worked on empathy driven projects across the country.
“Perhaps the wisdom we seek about care, community, and belonging is already living here in the everyday life of the Naga people,” she said.
Lakhera shared that the project began with a simple but profound intention to listen deeply.
“It meant asking difficult questions, hearing truths that were layered and sometimes painful, and learning from voices that carry generations of memory.” She said.
She highlighted that Naga oral tradition has historically lived through grandmothers, clan elders, and fireside storytelling. But in an increasingly fast-paced world, some of these threads are fraying. To preserve them, she mentioned that the team turned to the youth.
The event was a vibrant tapestry of culture, featuring the unveiling of the “Shawl of Unity” by Abeni TCK, folk performances, art exhibitions, and panel discussions on “Heritage Through the Lens of Empathy.” The programme was graced by Lt. General Vikas Lakhera, Director General of Assam Rifles, and featured a curated segment by Anungla Zoe.
“Weaves of Empathy,” a docu-film rooted in the ‘Naga Oral History: Stories of Empathy project,’ conceived and led by the Founder of Project Empathy, Vibha Lakhera , directed by acclaimed filmmaker Parasher Baruah, was also launched during the event .
The launch also reaffirmed Project Empathy’s commitment to nurturing emotional literacy, cultural wisdom, and community healing through storytelling and participatory education.
Supported logistically by the Assam Rifles, the event brought together scholars, artists, and community members, reaffirming Project Empathy’s mission to nurture emotional literacy and cultural wisdom through storytelling.