Mon, February 9, 2026: An International Literary Gala themed “Celebrating Literature Across Borders” was held at Wangkhao Government College, Mon, bringing together writers, educators, students and literary enthusiasts to reflect on the power of literature in fostering cultural dialogue and shared human values.
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| Participants, award recipients and organisers pose for a group photograph during the International Literary Gala at Wangkhao Government College, Mon, celebrating literature across borders. (Image: DIPR Nagaland) |
The event was jointly organised by the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), Wangkhao Government College, Mon, and the Writers International Network (WIN), Canada.
Renowned poet, writer, translator and community activist Ashok Bhargava, President of WIN Vancouver, Canada, attended as the guest speaker. Addressing the gathering, Bhargava spoke on individuality, creativity and cultural pride, stressing that poetry, beauty, dreams and aspirations exist within everyone. He urged participants to remain true to themselves, preserve literature, poetry and the environment, and celebrate diversity as a source of strength rather than inferiority. He also introduced the work and vision of Writers International Network.
During the programme, Bhargava presented the WIN Canada Literary Awards 2026 to distinguished writers and artists. Mmhonlumo Kikon, poet, author and public policy analyst, received the Distinguished Poet & Writer Award. Vishu Rita Krocha, poet, author, journalist and publisher, was also honoured with the Distinguished Poet & Writer Award. Kemya Yanlam received the Emerging Writer & Artist Award, while Tialila Kikon, poet, author and educator, was conferred the Distinguished Poet & Global Poetry Ambassador Award. WIN Canada also formally acknowledged the contributions of IQAC, Wangkhao Government College, Mon.
Speaking at the event, Vishu Rita Krocha reflected on the growth of Naga literature, noting that personal environments often shape writers. She said that while Naga literature is witnessing a steady rise, its full potential is yet to be realised due to limited collective recognition of writing as a shared cultural responsibility. She emphasised that literature plays a crucial role in preserving identity, history, folklore, myths and legends, adding that a growing community of writers and readers is helping carry Naga narratives to the world.
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In her keynote address, Principal of Wangkhao Government College, Tialila Kikon, highlighted literature as a vital bridge connecting cultures and nations. She said literature promotes empathy, friendship and understanding by transcending geographical boundaries and uniting people through universal themes of love, struggle, hope and aspiration. Describing literature as a “melting pot” of all disciplines, she noted that it acts as a mirror to society, reflecting every aspect of human experience.
The programme also featured a book talk on His Majesty’s Head-hunters: The Siege of Kohima that Shaped World History by Mmhonlumo Kikon, in conversation with W. Wangjin, Assistant Professor, Department of History. Kemya Yanlam delivered a presentation titled Beyond Words: The Art of Visual Storytelling, exploring creative expression beyond written narratives.
The event was chaired by Manyei Kuhmeishu N, Assistant Professor of Wangkhao Government College. Opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Esther P. Konyak, Vice Principal, while students presented Wanghe Ongching as part of the cultural segment. The programme concluded with closing remarks by Honjem Konyak, IQAC Coordinator, Wangkhao Government College, Mon.
