The 6th Symbios Pow-woW 2025 National Youth Festival came to a close with a grand closing ceremony held at the College Amphitheatre on March 7 with Tetso College bagging the title of overall champion and Patkai Christian College Autonomous the overall runnerup. This marked the end of a week-long event that brought together young people from across the state and beyond ushering and celebrating literary excellence, cultural diversity, and the spirit of sportsmanship.
Special Guest, Dr. Kevezai Tureng, Director, College Development Council (CDC) Nagaland University foremostly congratulated the students, participants, organisers, teachers and institutions involved in the success of the event. He expressed his admiration for the large number of institutions in the event, emphasizing the importance of such events fostering unity and growth. He especially encouraged the student participants stating that, ‘Whether you have won a medal or not, the very fact that you stepped in is a winning decision.’
Dr. Tureng addressed the topic of student motivation, cautioning against using fear of failure as means of encouragement. He implored that students should not be motivated by threats rather through positive reinforcement. In addition, he emphasized the importance of decision-making. Dr. Tureng stated that the path to success depends on how individuals choose to shape their lives. He motivated the students by declaring that ‘the future is already here.’
In his welcome note, Mr. Kvulo Lorin, Chairman, Tetso College, addressed and acknowledged the presence of the esteemed Guest. He highlighted the magnitude of the festival involving 35 institutions participating over 47 different events.
The prize distribution ceremony was led by the event in-charges of various events. Patkai College emerged as the winner for Folk Drama, the runner-up position went to Tetso College. The sports segment included prizes distribution for volleyball, basketball, and football. In men’s volleyball, St. Joseph University secured the runner-up position, while Immanuel College claimed victory. In the women's category, Patkai College stood second, and Don Bosco Kohima emerged as the winner. Basketball saw Immanuel College finishing as the runner-up, while Don Bosco Kohima secured the top position. In women’s category, Kohima Science College, Jotsoma took the First place and runner-up as Don Bosco hr sec school, Zubza. The football competition concluded with Sakus Mission College, Dimapur, as the runner-up, and Dimapur Government College taking the championship title.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Rajesh Tanti, Convenor, Pow-woW 2025 thanked all the sponsors and the allied parties and individuals. He also declared the event officially closed.
Earlier, the program commenced with an opening prayer by Thujoi Rhakho, Asst. Professor of Music, Tetso College, followed by the College Anthem ‘Strive for Excellence' led by the Tetso Choir. Special performances included a duet by the Runner-up of Road to Fame contest and an amazing dance performance from JN Aier college.
The Closing ceremony was chaired by Sungtinaro Jamir, BA 6th Semester, Psychology and Kaiminthang Singsong, BA 2nd Semester, Mass Communication. This year, the event recorded participation from 35 institutions from all over Nagaland and Assam. The closing ceremony also featured a surprise special act by Abdon Mech with his single ‘Taking My Heart.’
