Celebrating Literary Legacy: Tangkhul Literature Festival Held in New Delhi

Delhi: The Tangkhul Literature Festival, organized by the Tangkhul Scholars Association, was successfully held on May 17, 2025, in New Delhi under the theme “Wung Hao–Tangkhul Wortamrinli Makhokmebing.” The event offered a day of rich discourse and reflection on the literary heritage and contributions of the pioneers of Tangkhul literature.

The festival featured two thought-provoking sessions led by four eminent Tangkhul scholars:
(1) Dr. A.C. Kharingpam, Assistant Professor in the Department of English, Jamia Millia Islamia University
(2) Dr. Yuimirin Kapai, Associate Professor in the Department of English, Rajdhani College, University of Delhi
(3) Mr. Shaokhai Mayirnao, Doctoral Student in the School of Development Studies, TISS, Mumbai
(4) Mr. Ningmathan M.V., Doctoral Student in the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Rammathot Khongreiwo, Associate Professor in the Department of History, Lakshmibai College, University of Delhi. Dr. Khongreiwo eloquently traced the historical journey of Tangkhul literature and education among the Tangkhuls. He also encouraged budding scholars and attendees to actively contribute to the field through research papers and academic publications, stressing the need for Tangkhul voices in scholarly dialogue.

The two sessions Introductory notes were shared by two notable academicians: Dr. Thuisem Shimrah, Assistant Professor at the School of Environment Management, GGSIP University, and Dr. Tuisem Ngakang, Assistant Professor in the Department of History, Satyawati College, University of Delhi. Both of them facilitated engaging discussions that unfolded with depth and nuance—exploring foundational texts, evolving expressions of Tangkhul literature, and offering critical insights into the judiciary system of the Tangkhuls, highlighting both its constructive aspects and limitations in a modern context.

The event drew a diverse audience, including students, researchers, and literature enthusiasts. Attendees lauded the festival for celebrating the literary legacy of the Tangkhul community while also providing a space for critical engagement and scholarly inspiration.

The festival concluded with a collective call to action to promote, preserve, and advance Tangkhul literature through continued research, writing, and community participation.