A theatrical musical titled Echoes of the Hills: The Tragopan’s Song, an original stage production, was performed on March 14 at St. John College, Dimapur. An initiative of the Symphonic Music Club of the college, the play was scripted and directed by Dr. Inakali Assumi, Head of the Department of English.
The event was graced by Theja Meru, Chairman of the Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA), Government of Nagaland, as the special guest, along with guest artist and college alumnus Shau Evans.
The programme was hosted by Nzanroni Yanthan, Secretary General of the College Students’ Council. Keshenle Seb, HoD of Political Science, invoked God’s presence at the beginning of the programme, followed by a welcome address by Dr. Chubatila, Principal of the college. A special song was later presented by Mangkotongmen and Marshiba Longkumer, a student–faculty duo.
In his address, Meru congratulated the students and faculty for producing an original stage production and encouraged students to nurture their love for music and the arts while remaining rooted in their culture and heritage. Guest artist Evans also performed an intimate rendition of the songs “The Night We Met” and “Grow As We Go”.
The Tragopan’s Song follows the story of a brave warrior and huntsman named Arkha from a land of warriors whose world is upended by the arrival of a mystical bird from beyond his land. As the story unfolds, Arkha navigates internal struggles between loyalty to his ancestral heritage and the pull of something greater and unfamiliar. The theatrical musical combined dance, evocative music and storytelling, with students performing as actors, choir singers and band musicians.
A vote of thanks was delivered by Peter J Banks, Administrative Head of the college, and the event concluded with a prayer by Pastor Toshi of St. John.
Students from colleges across Dimapur, along with parents, well-wishers and alumni, gathered to witness the performances of the young talents.
Other notable attendees included Dr K Nishena Nekha, Deputy Director, Directorate of Education, Nagaland; T Sahoo, Chief Manager, Bank of Baroda, Dimapur; Er Rishav Sethi, CEO of NITI; Sashila Ozukum, proprietor of Hope Academy; and social media influencers and alumni Imnasenla and Tovika Zhimomi, among others.
The Symphonic Music Club of St John College also expressed gratitude to supporting organisations and individuals including the North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC), Bank of Baroda Dimapur, SC Nagaland, NITI, Enigma, Fingerprint, Jenty Steels, Moatoshi Longkumer, Advisor to the Government of Nagaland, Yimkumba Kichu, Councillor of the Dimapur Municipal Council, Sashila Ozukum, and alumni donors.