Kohima: St Joseph University drew more than 500 students to its Ikishe Model Village campus in Chümoukedima on October 1. The fourth annual Heritage Diem celebrated regional traditions. The Department of History hosted the event, titled Flavours of Heritage: A Cultural Voyage through Food and Words.
Rev Sr Sabeena DMI opened the day with an invocation. Prof Dr Avinuo Chupuo, head of the history department, welcomed the crowd. The morning session shifted to a poetry contest. Assistant Professor K Khekato Zhimo chaired the session, which focused on the theme Poetry of Food: Expressions of Taste and Memory. Thirty-one students from 17 departments competed for top honors.
Shiny L Mech and Moiya N Konyak split the first prize. Merireni Vivi Khuvung and B Nyamje took second. Jonitanga Humtsoe and Metsunu tied for third. Judges included Dr Muleto Vero, N Esther Ezung, and Aching Susanna. Certificates were awarded by Rev Sr Dr Thaines Mary DMI and resource person Prof Dr Achanger.
Prof Dr Achanger challenged students to look beyond labels. He urged them to track the history of ingredients and preparation methods. He told the audience, "Food was more than a source of nourishment and could express a community's identity, shared experiences and sense of belonging." He pushed for deeper research into what makes a dish truly traditional.
The afternoon session turned to cooking. Dr Kinitoli H Yeptho chaired the session, titled Heritage on Leaves: Celebrating Traditional Culinary Practices. Rev Fr Dr L Anish led the grace before participants displayed meals from various states and communities. Seventeen departments joined the exhibition.
Dr Lanuchila Changkiri handed out awards for the food displays. The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication took first place. The Department of Psychology and Counselling grabbed second. An anonymous donor provided cash prizes for the winners based on independent assessments.
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