Tetso College was declared the Overall Champion of the Nagaland Influencers Summit Pow-woW Lore 2026: Youth Quill & Canvas at the grand closing ceremony held at the Amphitheatre, Tetso College on September 11. St Joseph’s College, Jakhama secured the Runner-up position
The national-level youth festival brought together young participants from across Nagaland to celebrate literature, art, culture, creativity and youth expression. The closing ceremony was attended by around 800-900 people, including students, faculty members, volunteers and guests from various institutions.
Addressing the gathering as Guest of Honour, international concert pianist and Yamaha Artist Nise Meruno spoke on the importance of platforms that allow young people to express their creativity and connect with culture. Reflecting on life, he described people as “travellers in life” and highlighted “Sincerity, Story and Soul” as guiding principles.
Encouraging the youth to develop both creativity and character, Meruno said, “Your art can only be as beautiful as your heart.” He also performed ‘Kiss the Rain’ by Yiruma at the conclusion of his address.
Principal of Tetso College, Dr Hewasa L. Khing, in her welcome address, expressed appreciation to the organisers, sponsors, guests, participants, faculty members and volunteers, and stressed the importance of creating platforms for young people to explore and showcase their talents.
The closing programme featured cultural presentation “Walk Your Heritage with Pride” and “Heroes and Icons: A Cosplay Showcase”. Certificates were also distributed to participants and students for their contributions to the various competitions.
Tetso College emerged as winner in several events, including Debate, Mad Ads, Phrases of Our People – REEL, Painting and Heritage Fashion Ramp. St Joseph’s College, Jakhama won Indigenous Frames – Photostory, Story Writing: From Oral to Written and Declamation, while Eastern Christian College won the Poetry Slam.
Other winners included North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (Indigenous Story Telling Slam and Heritage Stage: Talent Showdown), Model Christian College Kohima (Spelling Bee), St Joseph University (Hackathon) and Guwahati University (Cosplay).
The festival concluded with the declaration of the Overall Champion by Dr Asenla Yanger, Convenor, NIS Pow-woW Lore 2026: Youth Quill & Canvas, who expressed gratitude to the collaborators, faculty members, students, volunteers and other stakeholders for their support.
