India: Diocese of Miao Brings 600 Participants Together to Celebrate Culture at "Radiance 2026"

Bishop George Palliparambil of Miao urged students to look beyond familiar boundaries and pursue wider opportunities as the Diocese of Miao’s educational wing brought together 530 students from 20 schools for a four-day inter-school cultural and literary competition in Arunachal Pradesh, northeastern India.

Bishop Palliparambil, patron of the Newman Educational Society (NES), made the remarks at the closing ceremony of Radiance 2026, held October 21–24 at St. Mary’s School in Namsai, a town in eastern Arunachal Pradesh.

“Congratulations to the winners, and to those who did not win, the experience you gained during these four days is your best trophy,” he said.

“May what you have learned here help you to look beyond the mountains and go for the stars,” the bishop added, encouraging students to value learning beyond academic achievement.

Organized under the theme “Celebrating Roots, Embracing Horizons,” the event drew 530 students and 70 accompanying staff members from 20 schools. It aimed to nurture creativity, promote cultural understanding, and encourage students to appreciate traditions and experiences from different districts.

Bishop Palliparambil stressed that education should foster creativity, appreciation of the arts, respect for diversity, and freedom of expression, alongside academic achievement.

Kamlung Mosang, a member of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly representing the 50-Miao constituency and an adviser to the state’s chief minister, inaugurated the event.

Drawing from his own student experiences, Mosang urged participants to pursue their aspirations through determination, hard work, and discipline. He outlined a path to success: “Dream – Plan – Prepare – Act – Achieve.”

He also encouraged students to keep God at the center of their lives and contribute meaningfully to society.

Lobsom Tsering, deputy commissioner of Namsai district and guest of honor, commended the organizers for choosing a theme that connects cultural identity with openness to new ideas.

“It is through culture that we understand our roots, and through literature that we give wings to our thoughts,” he said, highlighting the role of cultural traditions in preserving values and literature in broadening perspectives.

Dr. Vishwanath Paranjape, commandant of the 186th Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force, also encouraged students to remain connected to their cultural roots while pursuing new opportunities. He emphasized teamwork, discipline, and hard work.

Competitions included cultural parades, solo and group singing and dancing, drawing and painting, tableaux, skits, theme dances, fancy dress, prepared speeches, and extemporaneous speaking. Students competed in sub-junior, junior, and senior categories.

Krick and Bourry Memorial School in Tezu, Lohit district, won the overall championship. San Bonaventure School in Dumba placed second, while Light of the World School in Miao, Changlang district, finished third.

Chau Sujana Namchoom, chairperson of the Zilla Parishad and chief guest at the closing ceremony, distributed trophies and certificates. He praised the organizers for giving students opportunities to learn about the cultural traditions of different districts and fostering mutual understanding among communities.

Fr. Shoby Simon, secretary of Newman Educational Society, thanked the participating schools, accompanying staff, and St. Mary’s School for their cooperation.

Radiance 2026 reaffirmed the Diocese of Miao’s commitment to holistic education that develops students’ talents and confidence while encouraging them to remain rooted in their cultural identity and embrace opportunities beyond their communities.

(With inputs from Fr. Felix Anthony, Diocese of Miao)