Campus Clash 2026, the first Inter-Government Colleges Band Competition was held at Rüzhükhrie GHSS Ground, Kohima on October 27. The competition was organised by the Department of Higher Education, Government of Nagaland, to promote and hone the musical skills and talents of college students.
Minister of Tourism and Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along, was the chief host of the event. In his address, he emphasised that education goes beyond academics. Noting that music is inherent to Naga heritage, he expressed hope that the talent of Naga students would capture the imagination of the country and the world through music and the arts.
He encouraged students to do their best in academics as well as music, and to take up music professionally and conquer the world through their emotions and traditions. He also assured that the government is committed to youth empowerment and to developing young people into capable human resources for the state and the country.
Temjen also announced that Campus Clash would continue, and that the Department of Higher Education would facilitate the best venue and timing for next year’s edition. He further assured that the Department would equip all 17 Government Colleges in Nagaland with musical instruments by the next financial year, enabling students to make music that promotes unity.
Additional Secretary, HTE & Director, Higher Education, V Lovitoly Sema, NCS, in her welcome speech, emphasised that the event was not only a music competition but also a celebration of the talents, creativity and confidence of students. She identified music as an integral part of Nagaland’s cultural identity. Through this platform, she encouraged the young artists to refine their skills, build confidence, and inculcate the spirit of discipline and teamwork.
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She also advised the students not to measure the event in terms of defeat or victory, but to remember that their participation made them winners in their own way, irrespective of trophies, as they carried forward the memories, experiences and confidence they had gained. She concluded by extending her best wishes, expressing hope that music would unite them and that the competition would inspire them.
The honoured guest, Commander of 6 Sector, Dimapur, Brig Mayank Singh Jamwal, appreciated the Department of Higher Education for organising the event, acknowledging the challenges involved in initiating the first edition of any event.
He also highlighted the connection between the uniformed services and music, noting that both require discipline and teamwork. He encouraged the Department to continue nurturing the abundant talent in Nagaland.
The band competition saw performances by 15 Government Colleges from across Nagaland. The judges included co-founder of Trance Effect, Temsujungba Jamir; pianist and cultural ambassador, Bethel Tsuzu; and musician and producer for Tetseo Sisters, Mhaseve Tetseo. The event was hosted by Vizosienuo Shüya.
The guest band, Divine Connection, performed for the audience, after which the judges announced the results. Fazl Ali College, Kohima Science College and Yingli Government College secured the first, second and third places, respectively. Fazl Ali College received the awards for Best Vocalist, Best Guitarist and Best Drummer, while Kohima Science College received the awards for Best Bassist and Best Keyboardist.
The invocation was pronounced by Associate Pastor of City Church, Zajamo Odyuo, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Deputy Director, Higher Education, A Imtisenla Longkumer.
