Mount Everest College (Autonomous) hosted its annual Cultural Day, featuring a rich tapestry of cultural dances, music, and fashion that showcased various communities. The event, organized by the Cultural Committee in conjunction with the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), adopted the theme “Unity through Cultural Heritage.” Vice Principal Dr. Gonmei Meithuanlungpou delivered the keynote address, highlighting culture’s unifying power among diverse ethnic groups while also warning that, without principles of justice, equality, liberty, and fraternity, culture can spur division and conflict in a diverse society. He emphasized that just as culture strengthens bonds within tribal villages, humanity must also forge connections among different tribes in the global community. Dr. Meithuanlungpou elaborated on culture’s dual components—material and non-material—and reiterated the importance of preserving, promoting, and practicing one’s cultural heritage.
The event comprised various competitions that engaged students from multiple tribal communities enrolled at the college, including the Zeliangrong, Poumai, Tangkhul, Mao, Nepali, Maram, and Kuki. Performances were evaluated based on authenticity, heritage representation, uniformity, rhythm, and traditional costumes. In the traditional dance contest, the Poumai cultural dance troupe won first place, followed by the Mao cultural dance troupe in second, and the Nepali cultural dance troupe in third.
Cultural Day activities included traditional dance competitions, extravaganza shows, war cry performances, cultural showcases, and traditional cuisine displays. Many students participated, donning traditional attire that reflected their respective communities. The event drew notable attendees such as VS Vaison, Adviser of the Poumai Cultural Committee, Ngaopunii Rao, the Poumai Cultural Secretary, local village authorities from Taphou Phyamai village, and various faculty members, assistant professors, staff, and students from the college.
