Chingai MLA Khashim Vashum delivered a stirring address at the closing ceremony of “TAPESTRY 2026 — Celebrating Young Minds, Talent, and Culture” organized by Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS), the apex student body of the Tangkhul community, in Ukhrul district headquarters, urging students to look beyond materialism and embrace discipline, hard work, and spiritual grounding as the true markers of success.
Speaking as chief guest at the UBC Jubilee Hall on Thursday, October 8, 2026, Khashim challenged young minds not to lose heart because of poverty but to persevere with sincerity and honesty, regardless of their background or the status of their educational institution.
He recalled his own college days in Delhi, where he survived on just ₹500 a month sent by his parents, using his personal story to illustrate how financial constraints can fuel greater determination. “Those who understand the financial struggle of their parents study harder and become successful later in life,” he said, adding that most people who taste success are those who endure myriad challenges with resilience.
Emulating elders, not luxury
In a pointed message against the growing culture of consumerism among youth, Khashim advised students to covet their peers’ discipline, good manners, and dedication to studies rather than fancy cars, fashion, and high-end gadgets. He encouraged them to emulate the positive qualities of fellow students and elders who have excelled, so they can carry forward their legacy.
“Government schools and colleges are often underestimated, but they are emerging as reputable institutions in the district,” he noted, citing the academic performance of students at Pettigrew College and Ukhrul Higher Secondary School as examples. He called on students to shed their ego and work hard honestly, no matter their social background or the perceived status of their institution.
Spiritual grounding and educational legacy
Khashim also made a compelling case for students cultivating a strong spiritual life, urging them to put God before everything else and dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to their studies. He acknowledged the pivotal role of Catholic schools in shaping the careers of many individuals and producing successful personalities from the Tangkhul community.
He specifically called for greater efforts to promote Alice Christian Higher Secondary School, established by American missionary Reverend William Pettigrew, whose legacy continues to influence education in the region. Pettigrew, who arrived in Ukhrul in 1896, pioneered Western education and Christianity among the Tangkhul Nagas, with his wife Alice Pettigrew focusing on girls’ education—a legacy commemorated in the school named after her.
Commitment to learning
Speaking during the programme, Dr Ringkahao Horam, principal of Pettigrew College, also encouraged the students to remain committed to their education and personal development, emphasizing that academic excellence must be paired with character building and a lifelong passion for learning. He reminded the young audience that the challenges they face today—whether financial, social, or academic—are not barriers but stepping stones that, when approached with discipline and perseverance, shape resilient individuals capable of contributing meaningfully to their communities.
Drawing from his own experience in education leadership, Dr Horam urged students to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by platforms like TAPESTRY 2026, which not only celebrate talent but also foster critical thinking, cultural pride, and a sense of responsibility toward preserving and advancing Tangkhul heritage.
Celebrating young minds, talent, and culture
The TAPESTRY 2026 festival brought together more than 1,000 students from various schools in the town for a celebration of knowledge, creativity, and cultural heritage. The event featured debates, quizzes, public speaking, spelling bees, folk song and dance performances, traditional attire displays, and an exhibition on the indigenous food systems of the Tangkhul Nagas.
TKS President Ramreichan Keishing said the event was designed to equip students with the skills and personality development needed for their studies, careers, and future lives. “The festival is envisioned as a celebration of young people where knowledge, talent, and culture come together on one platform,” he added.
Cultural showcase and competition
The festival showcased a rich tapestry of Tangkhul culture, with special performances including Lemsomi Luiram from Ukhrul Public School, Lemsoror Pheiray from Jesus Goodwill School, and Ningmaso Awungshi’s Tingteila presentation. Students also presented Haolā folk songs, Pheichak folk dances, and cultural talent shows, while MLA Khashim inspected students displaying skills in weaving traditional loom clothes.
TAPESTRY 2026, which kicked off with a series of competitions on October 1, culminated in a grand two-day main program on October 7 and 8 at the UBC Jubilee Hall. With categories designed for High School, Higher Secondary, and College-level students, the festival aimed to provide a platform for young minds to showcase their knowledge, creativity, and talent while fostering healthy competition.
Academic excellence on display
The High School Foundation Competitive Test saw fierce competition across Classes 8, 9, and 10, with Sacred Heart Higher Secondary School emerging as a dominant force. In Class 8, Chirchommi Muinao secured first position with 252/400 marks, followed closely by Khararyo Lungharvanao with 250/400 marks, both from Sacred Heart. Class 9 witnessed Heisem Shingnaisui from Savio Higher Secondary School take the top spot with 232/400 marks, while Ngasungyui Makang from Sacred Heart clinched second place with 224/400 marks.
In Class 10, Eleos R. Shimray from Sacred Heart achieved the highest score of 282/400 marks, with Ngaveng Ngashangva, also from Sacred Heart, securing second position with 258/400 marks.
Literary and oratorical skills
The open category Poetry competition was won by Leikashi Shingnaisui, a Class 10 student from Savio Higher Secondary School, while Semmirin Hongchui from Ukhrul Central School took second place. In the Floktale category, Yunrei Rephung, a Class 12 Science student from Alice Christian Higher Secondary School, emerged victorious, with Yarjuihor Zimik from Ukhrul Central School securing the runner-up position.
Public Speaking and Debate competitions, open to Higher Secondary and College students, saw KAS Philaton from Pettigrew College (BA Sociology, 5th semester) claim the top spot in public speaking, and Joyci Shinglai, a Class 12 Science student from Sacred Heart Higher Secondary School, win the debate title. Cecelia Mashangva from Little Angel English School and Leishipem Raikhan, also from Little Angel, secured second positions in public speaking and debate respectively.
Quiz and spelling bee
The High School Quiz competition was won by the duo Ramsangphi Khaleng and Khayanim Zimik from Ukhrul Central School, who took home a cash prize of ₹10,000 along with certificates. Eleos R. Shimray and Worchuirin Zimik from Sacred Heart Higher Secondary School secured second place with a prize of ₹6,000. In the Spelling Bee, Yatungsempei Hongrei from Alice Christian Higher Secondary School emerged as the champion, while Chonmipei Zingkhai from Little Angel English School took the runner-up position.
Cultural celebrations and heritage showcase
The festival also celebrated Tangkhul cultural heritage through traditional dance and folk song competitions. Alice Christian Higher Secondary School won the Pheichak (folk dance) category, securing a cash prize of ₹10,000, while Sonyao Academy of Innovative Learning (SAIL) took second place with ₹6,000. Seven other educational institutions received participation prizes of ₹5,000 each. In the Haola (folk song) competition, Sacred Heart Higher Secondary School claimed first position with a prize of ₹10,000, followed by Centennial Christian Academy with ₹6,000, and two other institutions receiving ₹5,000 each for participation.
Exhibitions and cultural displays
TAPESTRY 2026 also featured an exhibition on the Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems of the Tangkhul Nagas, with 11 educational institutions participating and each receiving ₹5,000 and certificates. The Cultural Talent Show saw participation from two schools, with individuals receiving ₹1,000 each, while the Cultural Attire Show involved four institutions, each awarded ₹5,000 and certificates. These displays not only highlighted the diversity of Tangkhul traditions but also provided students with an opportunity to engage with their heritage in a meaningful way.
A vision for the future
As TAPESTRY 2026 drew to a close, TKS expressed hope that the festival would become a meaningful annual gathering, strengthening the bond among students and fostering a generation that is both academically accomplished and culturally rooted. With its blend of intellectual rigor and cultural celebration, the festival set a high benchmark for future editions, reinforcing the Tangkhul community’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded, confident, and engaged youth.
