Mokokchung, 4 April (MTNews): The second day of the ongoing cultural exchange between Fazl Ali College (FAC), Mokokchung, and Sherubtse College, Royal University of Bhutan, was held today under the theme “Celebrating Diversity, Uniting Cultures: A Kaleidoscope of Experiences” at FAC Auditorium on 4 April.
The principal of FAC, Dr I Wati Imchen, in his address, stated that learning about the past is always important and said that knowing one’s roots provides us with an automatic sense of unity and belonging. He further urged the students to play an active role in preserving culture as it is the source of one’s identity. Continuing his address, he stressed the dynamic nature of society and how we are influenced by Western culture, insisting the students to preserve practices such as moral values, respect, and honesty while discarding traditions that may hinder societal progress.
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The event witnessed a cultural parade showcasing ethnic fashion which highlighted the traditional attire of the different Naga tribes followed by performances of traditional dances, folk songs, and plays by Ao, Konyak, and Sumi students of FAC.
The event also witnessed the diverse traditional attire of Bhutan with different traditional dances and songs presented by the students of Sherubtse College. Students of Jubilee Memorial College, Mokokchung, also made a special appearance by performing a folk dance.
The principal of FAC said that the cultural exchange program is one of the objectives of the Terms of Reference signed between the two colleges with the idea of encouraging the students to embrace and appreciate each other’s cultures. He also mentioned the students’ positive response towards appreciating and incorporating culture into their curriculum, promising a future where their communities will have a rich and vibrant culture appreciated by the younger generation.
Later in the day, the 30 visiting students from Bhutan accompanied by 2 faculty members as well as students from FAC visited Mopungchuket village for an immersive cultural exploration. The students were introduced to the beating of the traditional log-drum, the story of Jina and Etiben, and Ao Naga folklore and way of life. They also visited Süngkotenem Park and the village museum.
On Friday, the visiting students will engage in an agro-cultural educational visit to Mangmetong village and explore Ao Naga legacy at Ungma village.
The 3-day cultural exchange program between the two colleges began on 3 April and will culminate on 5 April hosted by FAC. As part of the exchange program, students form FAC will also be visiting Sherubtse College, Bhutan later this year.