The Department of English, Baptist College, Kohima, successfully organized the 8th Edition of the BCK Literature Fest on 11th October 2025 at the Rivenburgs Memorial Chapel. The fest, themed “Tales and Trails,” celebrated the enduring power of storytelling and the literary journeys it inspires. The event brought together students, faculty, and a special guest for a day filled with literary engagement and creative expression.
The inaugural session was chaired by Ms. P. Wondanglo Tsopoe, Asst. Prof., Dept. of English. Dr. Tsenbeni, HoD, delivered the opening remarks and outlined the objectives of the event, emphasizing its nature as an internal activity. This approach aimed to exclusively showcase the talents of the students and provide them with a platform for self-expression and growth. The highlight of this session was a talk by the guest speaker, Mr. Runshito Lims, a poet and author. In a conversational and folksy style, he shared his literary journey, beginning from his student days, the challenges he faced, and the inspirations that shaped his path. He particularly stressed the cultural importance of storytelling in preserving one’s identity. Mr. Lims also recalled how attending the 2019 edition of the same literature fest, where he met authors like Easterine Kire and Vishü Rita Krocha, significantly influenced his decision to pursue writing.
Following the inaugural session, a film screening was held featuring adaptations of texts from the current syllabus, including Sophocles’ Oedipus the King, Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca, and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Literary competitions based on similar themes were also organized. In the Short Story Writing Competition, themed “Our Identities, Our Stories,” Nukhruzo Tetseo of BA 1st Semester and Iwuka Swu of BA 1st Semester secured the first and second positions respectively. In the group category, the BA 5th Semester students from Kohima Campus won the Poetry in Painting competition. Their romantic-style collective painting inspired by William Blake’s poem “The Chimney Sweeper” was adjudged as the best artwork.
The closing session of the fest was chaired by Ms. Süvilü Venuh, Asst. Prof, Dept. of English. A debate competition on the topic “Digital Distractions are the Biggest Threat to Modern Reading Habits” was moderated by Dr. Ghunato Neho, Asst. Prof. Participants engaged in a thought-provoking discussion, with the team supporting the motion arguing that digital distractions, particularly social media and mobile technology, have significantly shortened attention spans and diminished meaningful engagement with literature. In contrast, the team opposing the motion contended that digital platforms are transforming rather than destroying reading habits, as blogs, articles, and audiobooks have made literature more accessible and helped promote global literacy. After a spirited exchange of ideas, the panel of judges declared the team against the motion as the winners of the debate. Apuka Zhimo of BA 1st Semester was named the Best Speaker. The event concluded with the declaration of results, final remarks, and a closing prayer offered by Ms. Rozila Sangtam, Asst. Prof, Dept. of English. The 8th Edition of the BCK Literature Fest was a resounding success, providing a vibrant platform for students to engage with literature both creatively and critically.
