THE NORTH EAST SOCIETY

The St. Stephen’s North-East Society is devoted to promoting social and cultural integration between the North East and the rest of India via intellectual, cultural, and artistic exchange within the College’s multicultural environment.

The Society also tries to incorporate some of the spirit of St. Stephen’s College. We encourage students to interact with one another, venture outside of their ethnic communities, and cross cultural barriers in order to build strong enduring connections. The objectives of the society are to display the North East’s vibrant cultures and traditions, to provide as a forum for discussion on matters relating to the North-East and to dismantle the stereotypes that exist within and outside of the region.

Office Bearers of The North-East Society, St. Stephen’s College
2024-25

President: Shazia Hussain Contact: shaziadamie@gmail.com
Vice President: Mhankabemo Z Ovung
Treasurer: Gazala Fida Sabbir
General Secretary: Borme Jordan Warjri

• Cultural Head: Imtisemla Lemtur
• Assistant Cultural Heads: Khakchangtia Riang, Alex Oinam

• Literary Head: Jaunita Ruchel Dutta
• Asst. Literary Heads: Grace Hoinunmawi Haokip, Thejakhrieno Iralu

• Coordinators: Anurag Lakra, Mercy Kimlalhat

• Publicity Heads: Aneike Mero, Lhainunnem Taithul

• Logistics Head: Paojalun Sithlou

Date: 11th September 2024
Resource person(s) : N/A
No. of participants: 70+

The North East Society Orientation Program was a thoughtfully curated and engaging event designed to introduce the First-Year Junior Members to the society’s core principles and activities. The session offered a comprehensive overview of the society, highlighting its diverse verticals and upcoming initiatives and events. The collective participation of students from diverse academic disciplines and backgrounds fostered an engaging and memorable experience for the new entrants. Through a series of ice-breaking games and activities, the event fostered camaraderie and a strong sense of community. A key highlight of the program was the opportunity for first-year members to engage directly with senior members of the society. This interaction provided valuable insight into the society’s structure and the crucial role of senior members in its development. The orientation concluded with a brief vlog showcasing highlights from the Unicolor 2023 society fest. As Reuben Naulak, a former President, aptly reflected, the society aspires to be “not just about the North-East, but also for all students.”

Date: 18th September, 2024
Resource person(s) : N/A
No. of participants: 130

The St. Stephen’s North East Society warmly welcomed its new members with a fresher’s party on the 18th of September, 2024. The theme of the event was ‘The Past Woven into the Present,’ inviting attendees to adorn themselves in traditional attire with a twist of modernity. Many embraced the concept by wearing traditional jewelry, shawls, and vests with their dresses, transforming the event hall into a kaleidoscope of beautiful and diverse cultures. The event began with an opening speech from the society’s president, who welcomed the juniors into the fold of the North East family. This was followed by a series of musical performances by both the juniors and the organizing seniors, engaging in a time of celebration and merrymaking. The festivities continued with a series of exciting games that lasted until the end of the event. The games concluded with a question-and-answer round focused on issues from the North East, and the final two winners were crowned ‘Freshers of the Year.’ The joyful event ended with a group picture of all the attendees and organizers, marking the evening as a success as the new junior members were officially introduced to the celebratory and community spirit of the North East Society.

Date: 4th October 2024
Resource person(s) : N/A
No. of participants: 230+

The North East Society’s event reached its culinary climax with a grand lunch that was nothing short of a feast for the senses. This delightful luncheon featured an array of dishes, each representing the diverse and flavourful cuisines from the North East region. The heartwarming aspect of this event was the collaborative effort that brought it to life. A dedicated team of first-year participants joined hands with the council members to not only prepare the mouthwatering dishes but also serve them with efficiency and a warm smile. The array of dishes on the menu showcased the rich culinary heritage of the North East. The attendees had the opportunity to savor a true culinary journey through the region. The presence of the enthusiastic first-year volunteers ensured that the event went off without a hitch. Guests were served promptly, and there was no inconvenience to be found. It was a testament to the society’s commitment to providing a memorable experience for its members and guests. This wonderful luncheon created an atmosphere of unity and celebration, allowing everyone to relish not only the delightful food but also the sense of togetherness and shared experiences.

Echoes of the Eight is a composition of symphonies from the North-East: a musical tribute to the melodies of our ancestors. The event is a celebration of folk songs originating from each of the eight states, propelling people from different backgrounds to sit with us and lend a listening ear, even if just for a moment, to the strange but beautiful melodies that speak of the history of our lands. This event is held in collaboration with the music society, and takes place in the odd semester. Volunteers from the North-East and beyond practice for this event weeks ahead, always preparing a special English group song for the grand finale as well. In the final song,every performer links arms and performs together on stage, bearing a true symbol of the unity in our diversity.

Unicolour is the annual fest of the St. Stephen’s North East Society, dedicated to showcasing the vibrant and diverse cultures of the eight states of North East India. The event spans two days and celebrates the region’s rich heritage and culture. Unicolour aims to educate and entertain, fostering appreciation and awareness of North East India’s cultural diversity among the broader college community and visitors. The first day of the fest focuses on the academic aspect, aiming to familiarise all attendees with the reality of North-East politics, society and culture. This day revolves around talks as well as debates regarding issues from the North-East. The second day revolves around cultural displays of heritage. This includes traditional state dances, musical performances, and food stalls stocked with North-East snacks. The event is open to other colleges as well, and is the main event of the North-East Society.

The Alumni Outreach Program seeks to connect with alumni from various batches, along with other North-East graduates from the college from before the society came to be established. To this measure, the initiative conducts regular interviews and meets with alumni throughout the year. The interviews are published in the form of transcriptions and videos posted on our social media handles. The initiative is not only a means of connecting but also a means of building a relationship based on trust and experience. The program aims to learn from the experience of various alumni and also extend our heartfelt gratitude to those alumni who made the society possible.

Date: 10th October, 2024
Resource person(s) : Dr Mercy Vungthianmuang Guite
No. of participants: 45

The Northeast Society of St. Stephen’s College organized a talk on October 10th at 4:00 PM in the AV Room, delivered by Dr. Mercy Vungthianmuang Guite. The session, attended by 45 students, was centered on the theme ‘Orality and Literacy: The Transition from Oral to Written Traditions’.

Dr. Guite began by exploring the significance of oral traditions in preserving the cultural heritage of the Northeast. She highlighted the discrepancies inherent in oral sources, highlighting their fluidity and susceptibility to change over time, which often pose challenges in documenting oral narratives without altering their essence. Drawing from her own experiences, Dr. Guite also shared insights into the complex process of translating folktales. She discussed the delicate balance required to retain the authenticity and cultural nuances of oral storytelling when transitioning to written forms.

The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, during which students raised thoughtful questions about preserving indigenous narratives. Anurag, the Talks and Panel Discussion Coordinator delivered the vote of thanks. The event truly deepened attendees’ understanding of this important cultural transition.

Date: 12th November, 2024
Resource person(s) : Dr Achingliu Kamei, Dr Dolly V. Muanching
No. of participants: 50+

On 12th November, the Poetry Society, in collaboration with the Northeast Society of St. Stephen’s College, hosted a talk on the topic ‘Indigenous Myths and Oral Traditions in Northeastern Poetry’. The session featured distinguished speakers Dr. Achingliu Kamei, Assistant Professor at Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College, and Dr. Dolly V. Muanching, Assistant Professor at Jesus and Mary College. People from various colleges attended the talk.

Dr. Dolly V. Muanching opened the discussion by examining the representation of women in Northeastern poetry, focusing on how indigenous myths shape their portrayal. She highlighted themes of strength, resilience, and the intricate roles women play in the cultural narratives of the region. Her analysis focused on the role of l poetry in reclaiming women’s voices through traditional oral work. Dr. Achingliu Kamei shared her personal journey of publishing Northeastern poetry in the mainstream, discussing the challenges of ensuring the authenticity of indigenous voices. She reflected on how cultural narratives are often distorted or overlooked in larger literary spaces and emphasized the need for accurate representation of oral traditions in contemporary poetry.

The session concluded with a Q&A, where students engaged with the speakers on the relevance of Northeastern poetry in preserving cultural identities. The event was a success, with insightful perspectives, showing a greater appreciation for the rich literary traditions of the Northeast.

The St. Stephen’s North-East Society presents the annual journal, Orchid – an enterprise undertaken by the Literary Department of the society. It allows students and people from all walks of life to express their voices, share stories, and present their creative talents, holding up a mirror to the North-East. The journal is headed by the Literary Head and its team members who curate and design works of art in its best form. The journal also presents features on unique personalities from the North-East who excel in various fields including academics, business, music, etc.

The latest literary enterprise of the Society is its blog, ‘The Hills are Alive’. It is a platform in which various articles, book reviews, and opinion pieces from the students of the college and beyond are shared. Through these platforms, the society hopes to engage people in North-East culture.

Link for the blog ‘The Hills Are Alive’: https://thehillsarealivessc.wordpress.com
Link for Orchid: https://thehillsarealivessc.wordpress.com/orchid/
Link for YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thest.stephensnorth-eastso1388
Link for Instagram Page: https://instagram.com/northeastsociety_ssc?igshid=Z3ZiNmJscDBxZGl0
Link for Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/nesoc.ststephens/