Young people often speak, but too often go unheard. On December 16, the First Rain Foundation sought to change that with “Narratives That Shape Us”, an event providing young people aged 18 to 22 a platform to express themselves through music, poetry, rap, and storytelling. The event focused on the idea of letting the young teach us and exploring “how young people see the world.”
Lanusenla, director of First Rain Foundation, explained the foundation’s approach: “Communication with young people usually flows in one direction. We choose to walk with the young and listen first. We want to allow them to speak first, in their own voices and on their own terms.”
Performers shared deeply personal work. Yangersungla, guitarist and backing vocalist of a band, performed songs about finding joy and drawing closer to God. Yindangjungla spoke candidly about battling adult expectations, recalling how parents urge children to “be as successful as your grandparents,” and the struggle of defining success for themselves.
Mechi Imchen, a published writer, presented a new poem and expressed plans to publish more of his work. Likumer performed a song reflecting loneliness during difficult times, while Orapenli’s poetry captured life’s lowest moments. Avity rapped about the fear of judgment and being misunderstood, and Lumchi shared her own poetry.
Sahnem delivered a speech on the communication gap between generations, highlighting how encouragement and dialogue can bridge divides. Several participants shared deeply personal stories. Alia spoke about how music helped her cope with her parents’ divorce and stressed the importance of parental love and support. Molung’s poetry expressed the longing to be accepted as she is and the challenge of living under constant measurement of failures by adults, and Noying shared imaginative fantasy stories she had written. Kumkum courageously recounted experiences of bullying, highlighting how her skin color and identity as a non-Naga have exposed her to hurtful stereotypes.
The event was also attended by Mhonlumo Kikon, writer and father of Lumchi and Noying, who praised the foundation. Calling what the foundation for mental well-being as revolutionary, Kikon said, he’s inspired to “start his own revolution”.
“It’s not just an event; it’s an education for all generations on the importance of listening and empathy,” he said.
“Narratives That Shape Us” demonstrated that young people inhabit a rich, creative, and often invisible world. By giving them a stage, the First Rain Foundation not only celebrated talent but also offered a lesson to adults: listening is the first step to bridging generational gaps, understanding struggles, and creating a society that values its youth.
