Dr Subhashis Banerjee delivered an invited lecture at Hue University, Vietnam, on 21 August 2026 on Indo-Vietnam cultural relations, with Prof Nigamananda Das in attendance. The lecture placed special emphasis on Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival as a platform for cultural exchange, indigenous heritage, tourism and international understanding.
Dr Banerjee highlighted the deep-rooted cultural affinities between India and Vietnam, noting that festivals, folk traditions, indigenous knowledge, music, art and community practices can serve as meaningful bridges between the two countries.
The Hornbill Festival was presented as a model of cultural representation that enables local traditions to engage with the wider world while retaining their distinctive identity. “Festivals can become meaningful bridges between nations,” Dr Banerjee said, highlighting their role in promoting cultural understanding.
The lecture also underscored the potential of academic exchange and cultural tourism to strengthen India-Vietnam relations. The presentation was warmly appreciated for its interdisciplinary perspective and cultural relevance, while providing an international academic platform to showcase Nagaland and Northeast India’s rich heritage.