‘Weaves of Empathy’ under the Naga oral history a project by Project Empathy was held on November 22 at Hotel Vivor Kohima

“Weaves of Empathy,” a docu-film rooted in the Naga Oral History: Stories of Empathy project, which was conceived and led by the Founder of Project Empathy, Vibha Lakhera and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Parasher Baruah. It showcased the intergenerational stories of care, resilience, community strength, and emotional wisdom shared across Naga families.

Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nagaland, Chairman, Investment &Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) & Vice President, Athletics Federation of India who was the chief guest of the event congratulated the team  mentioning that the production was not only beautifully crafted, but also deeply meaningful.

The Naga society, Metha considered, is unique and special. “In a world filled with tools and technologies meant to connect people, we often find these same tools dividing, polarising and creating walls instead of bridges. However empathy is the thread and the treasure that binds everyone together,” said Metha.

Metha emphasized that Nagas inherited one negative impact of tribalism and this generation grapples with it every day. However he said that this must also confront tribalism, overcome it, and ensure that the Naga people stand united as one.

“Unity is the road to survival, the road to success, the road to excellence. And unity must be strengthened through the empathy and values passed down to us by our elders,” added Metha.

Vibha Lakhera, Founder of Project Empathy, in her speech reflected on her first visit to Nagaland, recalling how she felt an immediate sense of comfort, despite knowing neither the language nor the place. She spoke of the warmth and sincerity she found in everyday interactions, particularly the sense of safety and dignity afforded to women .

This feeling, she said, remained with her and eventually led her back to Nagaland years later as she worked on empathy driven projects across the country.

“Perhaps the wisdom we seek about care, community, and belonging is already living here in the everyday life of the Naga people,” she said.

Lakhera shared that the project began with a simple but profound intention to listen deeply.

“It meant asking difficult questions, hearing truths that were layered and sometimes painful, and learning from voices that carry generations of memory.” She said .

She highlighted that Naga oral tradition has historically lived through grandmothers, clan elders, and fireside storytelling. But in an increasingly fast-paced world, some of these threads are fraying. To preserve them, she mentioned that the team turned to the youth.

Lakhera highlighted that young participants travelled across villages, sat with elders, listened in silence, and recorded memories that might otherwise have been lost.

“Their first steps were hesitant, their voices shy, but curiosity grew into courage. What they returned with was extraordinary not just stories, but humanity.” She noted .

Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play

Lakhera praised filmmaker Parasher Baruah for capturing not just narratives but the unsaid emotions that lie between them. She said that his work reminds us that empathy is not a technique , it is a way of seeing.

She also acknowledged Khyochano TCK, Founder of Brilliante Piano Festival whose evocative background score, inspired by Lotha traditions, brought emotional depth to the film. “ Her music doesn’t accompany the film; it breathes with it,” Lakhera said.

Lakhera expressed heartfelt thanks to elders for trusting the team with their memories, to weavers for “the stories in their hands,” to youth for proving that empathy continues in the next generation, and to the entire community for reminding everyone that storytelling is an inheritance.

She also acknowledged military support, logistical contributions from the Assam Rifles, guidance and encouragement from her husband.

Ending her speech on an emotional note, Lakhera invited the audience to listen to the film not only with their ears but also with their hearts.

“Empathy is not merely an emotion. It is a way of living. May these stories soften us. May they strengthen us.” Lakhera noted .

Weaves of Empathy : Stories, Songs & Conversations “Weaves of Empathy” is the result of months of listening circles, storytelling sessions, and youth-led oral history work. Students from various communities from Don Bosco College, Modern College and Oriental College contributed significantly by gathering heartfelt narratives from elders and families, capturing lived experiences of caregiving, unity, courage, and compassion.

A key highlight of the evening was a special curated programme by Anungla Zoe, whose work brought together storytelling, reflection, and cultural resonance. Her segment weaved personal narratives, memory, and performance into a meaningful experience that echoed  the film’s emotional spirit.

The event featured the unveiling of the Shawl of Unity, created by Abeni TCK, representing the threads of togetherness that bind communities. Ülikhrie Folk Group, Chedema took the audience through the traditions and customs of their ancestral homeland. Paintings by artist Temjensunep were also on display during the event. The event was supported logistically by Assam Rifles, Ruchi Jhinkwan and @echoesofolivegreen, led by Farhad and team.

The programme was further elevated with the presence of Lt. General Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, Director General of Assam Rifles, and Abeni TCK, author and designer, who graced the occasion as guests of honour.

The event showcased a rich display of visual art and cultural documentation, including photographs from the Naga Oral History Project,  Display of artwork and paintings from I AM WITH YOU, art series Sobaliba Sayube Ntsü (Wisdom of Culture) and Tera Nungi Anepalua Mesuyetba (Nurturing the Roots) by artist Temjensunep.

The event also featured Tassle Dress inspired by the Ao-Naga Traditional Rich Woman’s Shawl, a unique weaver–designer collaboration by Imchatsung Imchen, along with a striking painting by Vineizotuo Tase depicting the Naga tradition of the Feast of Merit.

In a series of discussions, participating artists and authors reflected on the theme “Heritage Through the Lens of Empathy”.

The event also brought oral tradition to life through memorable performances, including:

• Chakhesang-Naga folk storytelling and singing by Veswuzo Phesao
• Walking the Talk performed by Carol Humtsoe
• Build A Story by Imliakum Aier, accompanied by songwriter Pelenuo Yhome

The programme concluded with a heartfelt performance by musicians from the Kohima Orphanage and Destitute Home.

Project Empathy(www.projectempathy.org.in) is a non-profit organisation, a pioneer in introducing empathy-based education through projects, workshops, and community initiatives that integrate compassion and emotional literacy into learning.