A 3-day cultural carnival was organized at Nagaland University (Lumami) by the Post Graduate Students Union of the Campus on a scale unprecedented in the history of the Nagaland University. Attended by about 700 people comprising the University (All the four Campuses) and college students, the officials (both the Nagaland university and State Government), the teachers, the Deans, the Registrar, the Vice Chancellor, the State Ministers and MLAs and even the inhabitants of the neihbouring villages, the celebration went on, unhindered, from August 12 to August 14, 2009, culminating in the Independence Day celebrations on 15th August. The inclement weather (Rain and wind) failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the participants and the organizers.

The celebrations were conceived and structured in a format of an academic seminar. The delegates were registered on August 11, 2009, a day prior to the inaugural day of the meet, with a token fee of Rs. 10/- in the afternoon. Subsequently the room allocations were made on the spot. This was followed by wash-up, AN tea, dinner and an entertaining movie (upto 9 Pm) in quick succession.

The inaugural session on the August 12, 2009 had two guests : Dr. Nagangshi K. Ao, Hon’ble Minister for P.H.E, Government of Nagaland (Chief Guest) and Prof. K. Kannan, Hon’ble Vice chancellor, Nagaland University (Special Guest).It was chaired by the organizing Secretary and invocation and benediction were said at the beginning and the end of the session respectively with greetings from OSD (Admn) Lumami and the President, Nagaland Student Federation. Then began a magnificent Collage of spectacular shows on “Cultural Delights”, comprising folk songs, folk dances and folk lores of various tribes of Nagaland, followed by “Lumami Feast” and traditional ‘Couple Show’.

The 13th August, 2009, the 2nd Day of the Cultural and Literary extravaganza, had a rich repertoire of ‘Cultural Delights’, exclusively, from the students of Lumami Campus of Nagaland University. After a tasty lunch, the famed Nagaland Indigenous Games including Naga wrestling items, were presented, much to the delight of dignitataries, officials, students and respected landowners who had gifted the 801 Acres of the land where the Lumami Campus of the Nagaland University now exists. The day ended with ‘Singing competition’ ably anchored by the charming voices of the students. This day was graced by the special guest, Shri. Kheto Kinimi, Hon’ble MLA, Government of Nagaland. His address covered many issues and reminiscences relating to the birth of the University. To Nagaland University; he said, goes the unique distinction of being the only University in India whose fate was decided by the Two Prime-Ministers : Late Mrs. Indira Gandhi, announcing the decision to establish Nagaland university in early eighties and Late. Mr. Rajiv Gandhi, laying the Foundation stone at Lumami in 1989. He exhorted the students to set an example to the future generation by their performance in academic and quasi-academic activities and social behavior.

The last day i.e. 14th August saw the Frenetic Organization of Literary Events such as debate (Topic : Superannuation, a boon for unemployment), quiz , extempore speech and essay writing with the panel of judges consisting of senior Professors of Nagaland University and Mrs. Monalisa hosting the quiz competition : On this day, the first session was graced by Shri. Imkong L. Imchen, the Hon’ble Home Minister of Government of Nagaland as the Chief Guest. The closing session (at 6 PM) had a Report by General Secretary, PGSU (Lumami) and short speeches by PGSU branches of Kohima, Medziphema and SETAM Campuses. From 8.30 PM onwards A moment of Rock-n-Roll and Bone-fire concluded the celebrations. -2- In all it was a enthusiastic gathering of young and old, boys and girls, Nagaland university inmates and general public and eminent leaders of Naga society.

In all activities the unseen guiding hand of the Vice Chancellor Prof. K. Kannan, could be sensed, who attended all the sessions on all days, probably the only Vice Chancellor in the country to do So !

Report prepared by : Prof.D.P. Sharma, Editor NU Newsletter.