Ukhrul: Pettigrew College, Ukhrul, hosted the first District-Level Inter-College Cultural Fest 2026 at the college ground under the theme “Āngayung Sakakhui, Ngashan Phākhari.” The event was organised by the Students’ Union of Pettigrew College, bringing together students from five colleges across Ukhrul district to celebrate and promote cultural heritage and traditional values.
Ram Muivah, MLA of 44-Ukhrul Assembly Constituency, attended the inaugural programme as the chief guest, while the presidential address was delivered by Dr. Ringkahao Horam, Principal of Pettigrew College, Ukhrul.
Addressing the gathering, MLA Ram Muivah said that Pettigrew College was the right institution to host the district’s first Inter-College Cultural Fest, considering its historical significance and contributions to education in the region. He briefly highlighted the history of Western education among the Tangkhuls, recalling how William Pettigrew chose Ukhrul as a place to establish his educational mission.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the college to society and said that young people from the region have continued to play leading roles in the state. Highlighting the richness of Tangkhul culture, he said culture is something people admire and look up to. He further recalled that even Jawaharlal Nehru had expressed admiration for the beauty of the Northeast’s culture, adding that English writers had also acknowledged its distinctiveness and richness.
In her welcome address, Pamchuila K. Shimray, Assistant Professor of Pettigrew College, said that organising the first District-Level Inter-College Cultural Fest was not merely about celebrating culture but also about providing students with opportunities to learn, grow and develop essential life skills beyond the classroom. She emphasised that such initiatives offer important lessons and experiences that contribute to the overall development of young people.
Ramreichan Keishing, President of the Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS), said that since Pettigrew College is the only government college in the district, there is a need to develop it to a standard comparable with colleges in other districts. He stressed that traditional values should not be followed merely as formalities but should be embraced with sincerity and from the heart.
He further reminded the gathering that the most important thing is not to forget the cultural heritage and values passed down by their forefathers. The TKS president also urged the MLA to look into the infrastructural needs of Pettigrew College and extend necessary support towards its development.
Thotdharrin Shingnaisui, President of Hunphun Katamnao Long (HKL), said that the event marked the first-ever Inter-College Cultural Fest in the district and described the participating students as the first batch to become part of this historic initiative. He encouraged them to take pride in their cultural identity, stressing that traditional culture should never be considered old-fashioned, as it remains an essential part of who they are.
The first District-Level Inter-College Cultural Fest 2026 was attended by Sunita Jajo, Zonal Education Officer (ZEO), Ukhrul, and Kharkhui Raleng, Block Coordinator, MSRLM (Skills), among others.
Five colleges from Ukhrul district participated in the festival: Ukhrul Bible Theological College (UBTC), Pettigrew College, Sentinel College, St. Joseph College and Wung Theological College.
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