The partnership aims to advance collaborative research, language documentation, cultural preservation and academic exchange between Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.
RIWATCH and Kohima Science College (Autonomous), Nagaland, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 10 October 2026 at the RIWATCH campus. The agreement marks an important step towards strengthening institutional collaboration and promoting research, academic exchange and the preservation of Northeast India’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage.
The MoU was signed by Shri Vijay Swami, Executive Director, RIWATCH, and Dr. Tenjemwabang, Principal, Kohima Science College (Autonomous).
The collaboration seeks to establish a framework for joint research initiatives, exchange of academic expertise and resources, and collaborative activities in education, language documentation, cultural preservation and community development. By bringing together the expertise of both institutions, the partnership aims to encourage interdisciplinary research and strengthen efforts to document and promote the diverse languages, traditions and histories of communities across Northeast India.
Strengthening Research and Cultural Documentation
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Shri Vijay Swami highlighted the importance of building stronger connections among institutions across Northeast India through collaborative research and academic engagement. He emphasised that partnerships between research institutions and higher educational institutions can play a significant role in documenting, preserving and promoting the region’s linguistic and cultural heritage.
He also shared RIWATCH’s vision of expanding its academic and research activities through the proposed University of World’s Ancient Traditions, Cultures and Heritages (UWATCH), which aims to broaden opportunities for research, education and the preservation of indigenous knowledge systems.
Dr. Tenjemwabang acknowledged RIWATCH’s contributions to language documentation, research and cultural preservation and expressed confidence that the partnership would create opportunities for meaningful academic engagement, interdisciplinary research and the exchange of knowledge and expertise.
He highlighted that the MoU represents more than a formal agreement, providing a foundation for a lasting institutional relationship built on shared knowledge, mutual respect, academic excellence and a common commitment to cultural preservation.
The signing ceremony was attended by Ms. Kevi Nagi, Vice-Principal; Dr. Moarenla Longkumer, Head, Department of Anthropology; Dr. Mahathung Yanthan, Convenor, Research and Development Centre; and Dr. Lilongchem Thyug, Coordinator, Internal Quality Assurance Cell, from Kohima Science College, along with Dr. Ista Pulu, member of RIWATCH, Dr. M. S. Awan, Centre Head, RIWATCH Centre for Mother Languages, and other RIWATCH faculty members.
Building Collaborative Pathways for Northeast India
The MoU establishes a foundation for future cooperation between RIWATCH and Kohima Science College (Autonomous), bringing together institutional expertise to advance research and academic exchange while supporting the documentation and preservation of the region’s diverse linguistic and cultural traditions.
Through this collaboration, RIWATCH continues to strengthen institutional partnerships and promote initiatives that connect research with communities, safeguard indigenous knowledge and contribute to the preservation of Northeast India’s cultural heritage for future generations.
News Covered by :
Arunachal24.in: https://arunachal24.in/riwatch-kohima-science-college-sign-mou-to-promote-research-and-cultural-preservation/
