The NE Stories

27/03/2025

Meet the lone revolutionary in Sikkim who's fighting against quick online book sales, promoting meaningful reading experiences & transforming the way people engage with literature.

Nestled in the tranquil mountains of Sikkim, a quiet revolution is brewing in a small bookstore, tucked away in the heart of Gangtok. This humble space, known as Rachna Books (and the café is named Café Fiction), is much more than a store for books — it’s a cultural haven,…

10/02/2025

A brand called East from Ukhrul district of Manipur…hoping it goes global

“Easternlight”—a name that’s hard to forget. Known simply as “East,” he smiles as he recalls how people would often ask him twice when they first met. It was his father who named him in honour of Kachouphung, the easternmost village in the Ukhrul district of Manipur, where his roots run....

22/11/2024

In this inspiring debut episode of Roots and Relics Hoihnu Hauzel founder of Northeast Stories sits down with Kevisedenuo Margaret Ziny Coordinator of the Tribal Designer Forum Margaret shares her heartfelt journey of leaving the bustling city life to return to her roots in Nagaland A native of Kohi...

05/11/2024

We are thrilled to introduce an architect whose focus has shifted to one of nature's most sustainable resources — bamboo. Richard Belho from Nagaland is a passionate advocate for the eco-friendly potential of bamboo, who has dedicated his career to transforming this humble material into a cornerstone of modern architecture.

Richard Belho In Kohima, the Capital city of Nagaland, people say that Bamboo and Belho go hand in hand — and they might just be right. One may wonder what this means. Well, meet Richard Belho, a leading advocate of bamboo, who champions its sustainability and benefits. Bamboo, abundant in…

08/09/2024

Two Sisters, One Unforgettable Tale: Neha Dwivedi and Diksha Dwivedi Share the Extraordinary Story of a Naga Soldier in their book Nimbu Saab— over refreshing nimbu pani and scrumptious homemade cake, a riveting conversation, aptly, against the perfect backdrop - Nagas, a stunning photograph exhibition by Aditya Arya and Pablo Bartholomew at the Museo Camera, Centre for the Photographic Arts

07/09/2024

At the backdrop of the ongoing “Nagas”, photographic exhibition by Aditya Arya and Pablo Bartholomew, join us for an enlightening discussion…

Nimbu Saab an excellent book by two sisters — is a tribute to the extraordinary life of a Naga soldier who bravely fought in the Kargil War, earning him the title of “Barefoot Hero.

05/09/2024

Nagas, a photography exhibition showcasing the diverse facets of Naga life, captured by acclaimed photographers Pablo Bartholomew (b. 1955) and Aditya Arya (b. 1964), continues until September 15th at Museo Camera, Centre for the Photographic Arts.

The response has been overwhelming, with visitors pouring in daily. To enhance the experience, we're offering curated walks throughout the week. It's been an absolute delight to engage with curious students from various institutes, who have been visiting week after week.
This morning's curated walk with Trinity Institute of Professional Studies, Dwarka, was particularly interesting and left me thinking about the scope of building more bridges.

Of the 32 students none of them have been to the Northeast except their professor who visited Manipur in its peaceful days, 10 years ago.

Witnessing young minds learn about and appreciate their cultural heritage fills us with hope for a more inclusive and empathetic future.
Join us for an immersive experience!
Come and learn more about Nagaland through this visual tour of photos, until September 15th.

19/08/2024

Last night’s public opening was truly memorable, brought to life by the presence of the iconic Ao Naga Choir. This choir, established in 2009 by Lanu Yaden, has withstood the test of time and continues to be an inspiration of cultural preservation.

Yaden, who came to Delhi as a teenager, discovered a deeper purpose in life and founded the choir while also working as an educationist in a prestigious Delhi school. Driven by a passion to preserve the cultural heritage of his home state, Yaden dedicated himself to ensuring that the traditions of his people live on through song.

The Nagas, is far more than a collection of images adorning the walls of Museo Camera, Centre for the Photographic Arts
And the photos on display provide a crucial link to the past, ensuring that the rich heritage of the Naga people will be preserved for future generations.

In the 1980s, two photographers Aditya Arya and Pablo Bartholomew ventured into Nagaland, what was supposed to be work trips landed up into another project for the duo as they were mesmerised by the state's rich landscapes. Their lenses captured the essence of Naga life, producing invaluable records of their observations. The photographers made several returns to deepen their documentation of a society marked by a tumultuous history now navigating the path to modernity.

With a history stretching back centuries, the Nagas’ story is primarily preserved through oral traditions and is sparse in written records. This exhibition holds profound significance as it transcends mere imagery; it connects the present to the past. Through these compelling visual archives, the Nagas not only honour their heritage but also build a bridge to the future, ensuring their legacy endures and evolves with the times.

19/08/2024

The Ao Naga Choir’s soulful melodies filled the air, their harmonies weaving a spell that transported the audience to a world of deep emotion. As their voices soared, eyes were moist with tears, resonating with the photographs that adorned the walls. Images of Nagas in their costumes, traditional gear, and intimate home settings, captured long ago, seemed to come alive in the moment. A truly powerful and immersive photographic exhibition ever…The Nagas - a photographic exhibition by ace photographers Aditya Arya and Pablo Bartholomew is on till 18th September at Museo Camera, Centre for the Photographic Arts

19/08/2024

The Ao Naga Choir cheering the the birthday boy Aditya Arya

17/08/2024

Tomorrow, come and see the stunning photography of Pablo Bartholomew (b. 1955) and Aditya Arya (b. 1964) at "The Nagas" exhibition.

The Ao Naga Choir's soulful melodies will resonate through the venue, perfectly harmonising with the poignant images of Naga culture and traditions. And sumptuous Naga delight to complete the story!

This unique exhibition documents the personal journeys of two photographers exploring the world of the Nagas. Set in the eighties when Nagaland was still a mystery and closed to the world, these two photographers explored this region as part of their personal projects. Today, these images not only showcase the lost traditions and a lifestyle, but are a testimony to the importance to visual anthropology.

Looking forward to seeing you at Museo Camera, Centre for the Photographic Arts tomorrow.

17/08/2024

In the early years of their careers, two young photographers, Aditya Arya and Pablo Bartholomew, embarked on a journey to Nagaland, not quite a tourist destination then but rather shrouded in mystery.

Aditya's six-year odyssey began in 1984, while Pablo's travels spanned from 1989 to 2000.

Their lenses captured the diverse facets of Naga life, preserving a crucial moment in history. "The Nagas" exhibition is a testament to the power of photography, transcending mere images to become narratives that inspire reflection, remembrance, and engagement with the world around us.

Today’s grand opening, features an evening of music, cuisine, and captivating visuals, as we celebrate the beauty and essence of Nagaland through the eyes of these two visionary photographers.

16/08/2024

It would an evening to remember…

01/08/2024

In the spirit of collaboration, something exciting is happening.

Often, it's through individual efforts that many cultures are preserved. I believe that maintaining this quest and thirst is essential for sustaining and preserving these cultural treasures.

20/05/2024

Tsering: A Trailblazer in Arunachal Motorsports

Lhakpa Tsering, a name synonymous with adventure and speed, has carved a niche for himself in the world of motorsports. As the founder of Arunachal Motorsports, he has not only made adventure an integral part of his state's activities but has also put Arunachal Pradesh on the international map through his daring feats.

He’s the ultimate daredevil shaking up Arunachal Pradesh's motorsports scene!
Just recently, he wowed crowds at the Thailand Rally Raid Championship 2024, snagging a cool 6th place in the extreme category. Rain, slush, triple caution dips – you name it, he conquered it with style, proving he’s got the guts and the glory to compete at the highest level.

His performance isn't just about the win; it's a wake-up call for India's motorsports scene. Lhakpa’s showing shines a spotlight on the talent and potential we have, hinting at the bright future ahead.

Back home, he's gearing up to share his newfound wisdom and experiences with the next generation of thrill-seekers. Lhakpa’s not just about winning races; he’s about sparking a fire in the hearts of all speed demons and adventure junkies out there.

Sure, he might’ve finished 12th overall, but he doesn't make excuses. He knows there’s tough competition out there, especially in South East Asia. But hey, that just fuels his hunger for more success and pushes him to raise the bar even higher.

So, here's to Lhakpa Tsering – the trailblazer, the legend, and the embodiment of pushing limits. He’s not just driving fast; he’s driving change, inspiring a whole generation to chase their dreams with all they’ve got.

26/03/2024

Northeast Storirs is happy to be collaborating with Are You Lit? For a session on Northeast…

26/03/2024

17/03/2024

Beneath the waning winter sun, we gathered to converse about her poetry and the inspiration behind her words. Achingliu Kamei epitomizes the notion that leaving home entails carrying a piece of it within oneself.
Like many in the Northeast, who had to leave home for higher education, she too left home – Tamenglong district, the least populous district in Manipur, to pursue an educational path. This journey led her to academia. She currently teaches Literature at Delhi University. Undoubtedly, the role of a professor entails significant work, rigorous effort, and the considerable dedication she has invested in her academic path. Still, she finds time for something she loves beyond the confines of scholarly pursuits. Takes refuge and comfort in expressing her thoughts and tales of home through prose and poetry. This deep connection to her roots infuses her heartfelt verses, resonating with the unwavering affection she holds for her homeland.
Her literary prowess extends far beyond the confines of academia. Her collection of folk tales, "Dawn, Naga Tales," and her poetic magnum opus, "Songs of Raengdailu," have garnered widespread acclaim for obvious reasons.
Within these works, Kamei delves into timeless themes of women's experiences and memories, paying homage to the resilience of women across generations. Drawing inspiration from her Naga heritage, her poetry intricately intertwines imagery and emotion, encapsulating the profound connection between Naga women and their natural environment.

Through her verse, Kamei boldly confronts the harsh realities of sexism and oppression, envisioning a future where women reclaim their agency and flourish. At the heart of her collection lies "Raengdailu," a symbol of resilience and defiance against adversity, shedding light on the daily struggles endured by Naga women while celebrating their profound bond with the land.
www.thenestories.com will bring in a detailed interview/conversation…