In a pioneering fusion of heritage and innovation, the Nagaland Tourism Department has partnered with the PLUC Network in launching a digital gateway to the iconic Morungs. Through an interactive QR code program, this initiative aims to preserve and share the living culture of Naga tribes in the digital age.
These QR codes are placed at the entrance of each Morung where the travellers can scan and get to know about each Morung and tribe through a simple click.
Tamseel Hussain, Founder and CEO of PLUC TV, highlighted the partnership’s importance in a media conversation. “This strategic collaboration marks a pivotal moment for preserving Nagaland’s cultural heritage and evolving its tourism,” he stated.
Under the program, each participating Morung will feature a unique QR code linking to Nagaland Tourism’s digital platforms. When scanned, visitors unlock a rich interactive archive—featuring oral histories, craft demonstrations, and insights into social structures and ecological practices—instantly deepening their engagement.
The concept emerged from a deep appreciation of the Morung’s central role and a pressing contemporary need. “We were inspired to integrate this at the Hornbill Festival because the Morung is an institution at the very heart of Naga society,” Hussain explained.
He described the Morung as much more than a physical space; it is a vital institution that embodies the social, cultural, and ecological identity of Nagaland’s tribes. For generations, these structures have served as youth dormitories, schools of traditional wisdom, repositories of oral history, and centers for community governance, he said.
“Today, this living heritage faces urgent challenges. With youth migrating to cities, traditional practices fading, and intergenerational knowledge transfer at risk, we needed a sustainable solution,” Hussain noted.
The collaborative response is the QR Code Integration Program for Morung Houses, where PLUC handled research, documentation, and digital content creation to bring these institutions into the modern era.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
The project aims to systematically document and preserve indigenous knowledge; amplify local voices by empowering communities to tell their own stories; and engage youth by transforming heritage into accessible digital educational resources.
The broader vision is to position Nagaland as a destination where authentic culture is celebrated through meaningful digital experiences, fostering economic opportunity while safeguarding cultural integrity.
Communication strategist, Shambhavi Kanodia reinforced this approach, “The QR initiative doesn’t replace tradition with technology. It ensures Naga youth wherever they are can access the wisdom and stories that root them to their culture. It allows visitors to engage with communities as partners in cultural discovery, not as passive consumers.”
The pilot debuted at the globally renowned Hornbill International Festival, signaling that preserving ancient knowledge is a strategic priority for Nagaland’s future. Its success is intended to lay the foundation for wider expansion.
A local stall owner voiced strong support, noting the practical benefits. “It has made our job much easier,” he said. “When we’re busy, we can’t always explain our heritage to every visitor. That communication gap often left tourists disappointed. Now, with a simple scan, they receive all the knowledge automatically,” he added.
