FOOTPRINTS 2024 Celebrates Rich Cultures of Northeast India and Tibet at St Joseph’s University

Bangaluru: The North-East and Tibetan Students’ Forum (NETSF) of St Joseph’s University organised its annual event, FOOTPRINTS, to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of India’s Northeastern region and Tibet on April 13th, 2024.

The program began with a performance by the Band Boys over Flowers, followed by a solo by Minoli from Nagaland and a performance by the band Kikyo Iro. Traditional dances like Jhyawre by students of Sikkim and Darjeeling, Amdo, Tsi Tsi, and Cheraw by students from Tibet, Ladakh, and Mizoram were showcased.

The Chief Guest, Dr Tenzin Pasang, Principal of Dalai Lama Institute of Higher Education, and the Honourable Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Dr. Victor Lobo SJ, addressed the gathering. They spoke about the shared ancestry and intertwined cultures of Tibet and the north-eastern part of India and emphasized the importance of promoting the culture of this region.

A minute of silence was observed for the people of Manipur, followed by prayers chanted by Tibetan Monks. The celebration continued with a whirlwind of cultural dances. From Manipur’s Kuki-Zomi to Meghalaya’s Khasi-Garo-Jaintia medley, the Northeast showcased its vibrant traditions. Sikkim, Nagaland, Assam, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh, and Manipur all presented captivating performances. The grand finale was a dazzling fashion show, leaving the audience enthralled by the region’s unique attire.

The event witnessed a footfall of over 800 people, and stalls set up across the university grounds offered a variety of food items. The program concluded with the Forum President’s Vote of Thanks.