The national level youth festival, Pow-woW Lore: Youth Quill and Canvas 2026, opened at Lorin Hall, Tetso College, Chumoukedima on Thursday, September 10, bringing together around 450 to 500 participants, including students from higher education institutions across Nagaland, faculty members and invited guests. Organised with a focus on literature, art, culture and creativity, the two day festival is being held in partnership with the Nagaland Influencers Summit 2026, providing a platform for young people to showcase their talents, exchange ideas and engage in activities beyond the conventional classroom setting.

Speaking as the Chief Guest, Proprietor of Synergy Group, Shri Kevitsu Medoze, expressed happiness that Pow-woW Lore had grown into a national level platform and said Tetso College had the potential to host programmes of national and international significance. Appreciating the initiative to create opportunities for students to demonstrate abilities beyond academics, he urged participants to use the festival to challenge themselves, develop their capabilities and strive for excellence rather than viewing it merely as another competition. Observing that degrees alone were no longer sufficient in an increasingly competitive world, Medoze stressed the importance of hard work, teamwork, networking and life skills. “Without hard work, even AI doesn’t work,” he said, while encouraging the participants to “try to be the best in the world, not just here in Nagaland.” He also encouraged participating institutions to build stronger connections and consider exchange programmes that could promote interaction, learning and collaboration among students.

Deputy Registrar and Dean of Residential Life, Tetso College, Merangtsuba Longkumer, in his welcome address, described Pow-woW Lore as a celebration of art, culture and creativity, with the energy and enthusiasm of young people at its centre. Referring to the college motto, “Strive for Excellence,” he encouraged the participants to make full use of the opportunities provided through the festival and to return with more than certificates, taking with them new ideas, friendships, experiences and memories. He also acknowledged the contribution of sponsors, faculty members, students, participating institutions and others involved in organising the event, while encouraging participants and guests to explore the various stalls set up as part of the festival.

Convenor of Pow-woW Lore 2026, Dr Asenla Yanger, briefed the gathering on the objectives and vision of the festival and highlighted the role of creativity as a means of learning, interaction and collaboration. She said the festival was designed to provide young people with opportunities to explore different forms of expression while developing skills and confidence through participation, meanwhile highlighting that eight higher education institutions have registered for the various competitions and activities.

The inaugural programme was chaired by Imnajungla Longkumer, third semester, BA Linguistics, Tetso College, and commenced with the college anthem, “Strive for Excellence”. This was followed by a prayer led by Resident Coordinator of Sinle Girls’ Home, Tetso College, Kuviete-o Ritse. The traditional “Watering of the Tree of Victory” was also observed, symbolising unity, determination and the victories awaiting the participants.

The School of Music, Tetso College presented Dies Irae, following which Director and Chairman of Tetso College, Kvulo Lorin, felicitated the Chief Guest. The inaugural ceremony concluded with the Pow-woW 2026 briefing by Dr Asenla Yanger.

The festival features a wide range of competitions and activities, including poetry slam, declamation, heritage talent showcase, indigenous storytelling, debate, heritage fashion ramp, live painting, spelling bee, hackathon, MadAds, story writing and cosplay, among other student activities. The festival seeks to bring together young people through creative expression, cultural engagement and healthy competition while encouraging them to develop skills and experiences that extend beyond academic learning.