Inaugural ‘TKLDMU Kazip: An Academic Odyssey’ Held in Imphal

Ukhrul, April 12: The inaugural episode of ‘Tangkhul Katamnao Long Dhanamanjuri University Kazip: An Academic Odyssey, ‘ held under the evocative theme “Scholarship and Stewardship,” was successfully convened on April 12, 2025, at JN Dance Academy, Imphal. Set against the backdrop of rapid socio-political transformations, epistemic disruptions, and contested truths, this academic initiative emerged as both timely and necessary.

The event was conceived as an intellectual platform for students, scholars, and educators to engage in critical discourse, challenge dominant narratives, and collaboratively produce alternative knowledge. Through sustained dialogue, the Odyssey aspires to catalyze new research collaborations, interdisciplinary publications, and community-based academic initiatives that speak to the lived realities of marginalized communities and underrepresented voices.

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Pooja Elangbam, Director of the Department of Tourism and founder of the Imphal Book Club, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In her address, she eloquently described the academic odyssey as a transformative journey marked by intellectual exploration, personal evolution, and the pursuit of excellence. She encouraged students to transcend conventional academic boundaries, urging them to explore non-traditional fields such as sports, fashion design, music, and the creative arts in addition to the civil services and medical sciences.

Dinringam Kamei, Sub-Divisional Officer of Ukhrul and Guest of Honour, offered a poignant autobiographical account of his educational trajectory, underscoring the challenges and triumphs encountered along the way. In a bold appeal to the student community, he called for the critical abandonment of regressive customs and a renewed commitment to scholarship, research, and cultural revitalization—reminding the audience of the Tangkhul community’s historical legacy of intellectual leadership.

Prof. Ngalengnam, Director of Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Manipur, and Resource Person for the session, delivered a substantive lecture on “Engagement in Teaching, Scholarship, and Leadership.” He emphasized three cardinal principles that should underpin all academic endeavors: quality, justice, and achievement. He urged scholars, educators, and students to anchor their academic engagements within these values in their intellectual and professional engagements.

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A rigorous and historically grounded research paper was presented by Soyaphy Khangrah, a research scholar from the Department of History, Manipur University. Her paper, “The Traditional Head-Hunting Practices of the Luhuppas (Tangkhul),” offered an incisive exploration of warfare ethics and indigenous knowledge systems. She examined the typologies of wars in ancient Tangkhul society, with particular emphasis on the figure of Pukreila, who played a crucial role in the humanization and cessation of violence.

Two seminal Tangkhul poems-“Kazingkha Akhokka” and “Ngam Khaleiya Ihao Sari”-were recited by Peiminao Kasar and Rampem Awungshi, respectively. These poetic recitations served as a poignant reminder of the aesthetic depth and cultural resonance of Tangkhul oral traditions.

Rev. Khayaipam Khamrang, Pastor of TBCI, delivered heartfelt salutations and conferred blessings upon exam toppers, freshers, and the academic fraternity. His address acknowledged the vital pedagogical role played by educators and invoked a spiritual ethos to guide the journey of learners.

A Personality Development Session was facilitated by Leishiyui Kapai, a research scholar, and Lepsopthei Kasar, National Parliamentary Speaker (Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament 2025). The session culminated in the award presentation for Best Personality and Best Stewardship to Sheba Zimik and Raisinga Ruivah, recognizing their outstanding engagement and leadership during the event.

The Odyssey concluded with a vibrant cultural segment, featuring a Cultural Attire Showcase, Dance of Identity, and Rhythmic Interludes, which celebrated both the diversity and continuity of Tangkhul cultural expressions. Acclaimed contemporary artists Thangmeiso Shinglai and Ningshang Ngakang captivated the audience with performances that seamlessly wove together tradition and modernity.

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