The Research Institute of World’s Ancient Traditions, Cultures and Heritages (RIWATCH) and Kohima Science College (Autonomous), Nagaland, have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a comprehensive framework for academic cooperation, interdisciplinary research, and the safeguarding of Northeast India’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage.
The agreement was finalized and signed at the RIWATCH campus located in Khinjili, Roing, Arunachal Pradesh on 10th October 2026. The signing ceremony brought together key leadership and academic representatives from both institutions, featuring RIWATCH Executive Director Vijay Swami and Kohima Science College Principal Dr. Temjenwabang.
This strategic partnership aims to build robust institutional bridges between Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, focusing on several critical areas, including Joint Research & Interdisciplinary Studies to foster cooperative research projects exploring the region’s diverse histories, traditions, and contemporary academic needs; Language Documentation & Cultural Preservation which will involve combining resources to document, preserve, and promote indigenous languages and cultural traditions unique to Northeast India; Academic & Student Exchange to facilitate the exchange of academic expertise, resource sharing, and student opportunities to drive mutual learning and academic excellence; and Community Development aimed at advancing collaborative community-oriented programs centred on education and cultural sustainability.
Highlighting the broader vision of the collaboration, RIWATCH Executive Director, Vijay Swami noted that the partnership marks a vital step toward connecting Northeast India through unified research, emphasizing that institutional cooperation is essential for preserving the histories and languages of local communities. He also shared long-term aspirations to evolve RIWATCH into a university—provisionally envisioned as the University of World’s Ancient Traditions, Cultures and Heritages (UWATCH)—to expand its educational footprint.
Dr. Temjenwabang, Principal of Kohima Science College, praised RIWATCH’s pioneering contributions to language documentation and cultural preservation, describing the MoU as far more than a formal document. He stated that it lays a solid foundation for a lasting partnership rooted in shared knowledge, mutual respect, and a joint commitment to enriching traditional knowledge across the region.
The signing ceremony was graced by prominent representatives from both institutions. The Kohima Science College delegation included Dr. Temjenwabang, Principal; Kevilhuninuo Nagi, Vice-Principal; Dr. Moarenla Longkumer, Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Anthropology; Dr. Mhathung Yanthan, Convenor of the Research and Development Centre and Dr. Lilongchem Thyug, Coordinator of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell. While the RIWATCH delegation included: Vijay Swami, Executive Director; Dr. M. S. Awan, Centre Head of the RIWATCH Centre for Mother Languages; Dr. Nandini Dholepat; Dr. Karabi Baruah, Faculty, and other associated faculty members and researchers
