Rayburn College at the Tribal Literature Conclave 2025

The Principal of Rayburn College, Rev. Dr. Khen P. Tombing and the IQAC Director, Ms. Lalngaihawmi, were both invited as distinguished Resource persons for the historic Tribal Literature Conclave 2025 that took place on the 20th of September 2025, at the EBC Gospel Centenary Hall, New Lamka, Manipur. The Conclave was organized by the Paite Literature Society, with support from The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India.

Focussing on the theme ‘Weaving Tribal Narratives’, the Conclave brought together various tribal literature societies from Southern Manipur having their own MIL papers in the Manipur State Education Board, viz., literature societies of Gangte, Hmar, Mizo, Simte, Paite, Thadou Kuki, Vaiphei and Zou tribal communities, as well as tribal writers, students, academicians, tribal literature enthusiasts and educators on the same platform. The Conclave was held with the objective of providing a forum for interaction and exploration of the rich and diverse tribal literatures, and seek ways and means to generate, cultivate and nurture interest in tribal literature in the younger generations. The gathering facilitated needful dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaborative efforts to safeguard and promote the rich literary heritage of the diverse tribal groups of Southern Manipur while fulfilling the following needs, namely (a) cultural preservation, (b) language promotion, (c) address educational needs, (d) social and economic development, and (e) knowledge exchange and collaboration.

Pu Rev. Dr. Khen P. Tombing, who was the first resource person for the day, spoke on ‘The Impact of Christianity on Tribal Literature’, highlighting how the work of various Christian missionaries among the tribal people of North East India led to the development and progress of tribal literature from oral to script, and then on to growth stage, with the tribal societies now witnessing tremendous advancement in research, academics, and science and technology, as well as culturally, ecumenically and economically. Pi Lalngaihawmi, who spoke on ‘The New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and its Impact on Tribal Language Education and Tribal Students’, outlined the concept of the NEP and its possible impact in tribal education and highlighted how it is aimed at promoting mother-tongue instruction, culturally sensitive curricula, and teacher training to preserve tribal languages and traditions, aiming to improve access, relevance, and inclusivity for tribal students.

The special lectures was attended by more than 800 participants, which included school and college students, research scholars, members of various literature societies, distinguished writers and leaders, and heads of various higher education institutions, besides interested independent researchers, writers and literature enthusiasts.