Author: Tiarenla

In Conversation With Shanthungo Ezung, Nature Photographer From Nagaland

Published by Tiarenla

We are delighted to have Shanthungo Ezung, one of the well-known photographers of Nagaland with us today. His journey with photography started when he first laid hands on a film roll camera which he bought from his friend. It’s been more than a decade since then and his passion remains the same. He currently runs his own business, while pursuing photography on the side. He specializes in nature, landscape and culture photography and is inspiring many with his prize winning pictures! In depth chat with Shanthungo Ezung to know more about his work and how it all began. Hello! Please introduce a little about yourself. Hi! My name is Shanthungo Ezung. I am a freelance photographer and self-employed businessman presently based in Dimapur, Nagaland. How and when did you develop an interest in photography? I developed a passion for photography during my college years. I got my first camera, a pre-used SLR Nikon F65, which I bought from a friend for half the price. I just fell in love with it and I would take …

Founders of ‘Nagaland Coffee’ Share Updates on Their Coffee Shop Launch in Dimapur

Published by Tiarenla

Who knew Nagaland would be such a hotbed for high-quality coffee? With the neighboring places having captivated the world with their Assam and Darjeeling teas, maybe it’s about time Nagaland finds a place in the heart of coffee lovers in the country and beyond. Today we chat with the two founders of “Nagaland Coffee” – a day before the official launch of their first coffee shop in Dimapur, which promises to enchant coffee lovers in the state with their top-class coffee. They have also managed to excite many with the prospect of creating a sustainable coffee ecosystem – comprising of cultivation, roasting, processing, brewery and more. We chat with coffee expert and co-founder Dr.Pieter Vermeulen to know more about their story, their line of products and services, launch day and their future plans. Meet the Founders ‘Nagaland Coffee Private Limited’ is a business venture started by two friends -Vivito Yeptho from Nagaland, and Dr. Pieter Vermeulen from Cape Town, South Africa. Dr. Pieter is a coffee expert, with a passion for, and knowledge of cultivation, …

Young Fashionable Folks Share What’s Trending in the Local Fashion Scene in Nagaland

Published by Tiarenla

If you ask the people in Nagaland to pick which one is more important – feeling good versus looking good, very likely that the responses will be equally divided for both for most folks. Reflecting the general attitude towards dressing up – with an added premium to personal style and comfort, you will see a variety of trends and trendy painting the outdoors and indoors of Nagaland. We wanted to take you guys into the streets of Nagaland to give a quick glimpse into the local fashion scene, so our contributor reached out to seven of her friends to give us an insight into what they are wearing, and what’s trending in their neighborhood. Arenzung, 28 from Dimapur looking chic and summer-ready with a classic white button-down shirt, beige cotton skirt, and comfy flats. Her statement accessories and tote bag in matching colors compliments her look to the T. Tote bags are hot items in Nagaland this season, so get yourself one too! Shop Here “Thanks to social media, fashion inspiration to actually wearing the latest trends is almost …

Meet Vikhietuonuo Rutsa – Soulful Pianist and Music Teacher from Nagaland

Published by Tiarenla

“Music is the key to your soul” As cliché as it may sound, it is always going to be true! Music can trigger feelings and memories, and most importantly, can connect you to the self, the creator or even a stranger thousands of miles away from you. Today we have a sweet soul, who is a pianist, music teacher and youth leader. Vikhietuonuo Rutsa from Nagaland radiates peace and calm, and that you can feel very strongly in her music. We had a quick chat with the musical genius Vikhietuonuo Rutsa, to talk about what keeps her focused and optimistic, taking risks, and how to prepare for stage performances, as a beginner. Tell us something about yourself, and when did you start playing? Hi , my name is Vikhietuonuo Rutsa but my friends call me Vikhie or Vi. I’m 26 years old from Kohima – a Sociologist, a Musician, Youth Chairman and a Worship Leader at Baptist Mission Church, Kohima. “I started my first piano lesson when I was 10 from Miss Mhalevonuo Zhale. Later on only …

Meet Naga Yogini Orentsani Kikon from Nagaland – Certified Yoga Instructor and a Fitness Inspiration for Many

Published by Tiarenla

Fitness is fast becoming a hot topic in Nagaland – with the young and old alike suddenly waking up to a healthy lifestyle. You can see a lot of local folks going out for a jog in the early hours, fitness centres and gyms opening doors in various parts of the state and conversations about fitness popping up during conversations over locally made green tea. Amidst this new wave, yoga and pilates are soon becoming hot topics of conversation – and has sparked a curiosity among the fitness enthusiasts. Being a recent trend, yoga is still a mysterious activity that the world seem to be obsessed with – for folks out here. Trust the youths to throw light into anything that’s trending and ought to be explored. Miss Orenstani Kikon, known as the Naga yogini is on a mission to share her passion, and with that, the benefits of Yoga with the local folks in Nagaland. We chat with her to know more about her journey and the initiatives she has set up in her hometown to enlighten the …

This Talented Pianist Wants to Enlighten Us on Naga Folk Music and Ethnomusicology | Meet Jaremdi from Nagaland

Published by Tiarenla

Music is food for the soul, so they say – and the Nagas are no doubt among the lucky ones who are blessed and with an innate and exceptional talent in this field. There’s a musician in almost every household in this part of the country but talent alone does not guarantee success; it needs to be backed sufficiently with persistence and a strong entrepreneurial drive to create a successful music career. Today we chat with one such lady who has all qualities that can potentially carve an enthralling musical career. Say hi to Jaremdi Wati Longchar from Nagaland, a seasoned pianist, who is working passionately towards a career in ethnomusicology. Hi Jaremdi, tell us something about yourself- your background and your musical journey Hi, I am 29 years old and I am currently based in Dimapur. However, I’ve lived half of my life in Kohima as well, so, I consider myself both a Dimapur and a Kohima girl.I am currently working towards building a career in ethnomusicology, which is basically the study of music in …

Meet These Self-Taught Jewelry Makers from Nagaland

Published by Tiarenla

Remember Aben of “Aben Jewellery” – one of our first guests on Roots and Leisure? Thanks to people like her who has inspired many to follow her footstep and take up jewelry-making as a serious hobby and eventually turning it into a full blown venture from home. Over the last 2 years, we have seen hundreds of people joining this creative force to produce new forms of art in the form of handmade jewellery. Today our contributor Tiaren profiles some of them to understand the motivation behind their creative journey – and to take a peek into their collection. “After talking to some of my friends who have taken up jewellery-making as a hobby, I realize that one of the main motivations is to turn their innate talent and interest in creative art, from a hobby to now a means of financial security. It’s super inspiring to see how these talented determined individuals are taking their passion to the world by nurturing their love of all things local – especially their aesthetics taste, which can range from eccentric to minimalistic to over the top! …

Another Musical Talent from Northeast India You Need to Follow – Meet Vocal Artist Thunglamo Ngullie from Nagaland

Published by Tiarenla

Music and Musicians, you will find aplenty in Northeast India; it’s a huge part of their lives, and most of the artists are genuinely talented and passionate – which is the reason why we just can’t stop writing (or talking!) about them! Trust us, we have merely scratched the surface of what is a goldmine of creative talents in this part of the world. Today, we introduce you guys to Thunglamo Ngullie, a 27 year old dynamic and versatile solo artist from Nagaland. A hardcore music lover, trained musician, Naga Idol Runner Up and now a Vocal Trainer. Here’s a chat with the talented young man to talk about his musical journey in this remote part of the country, and how he got to perform in several parts of the world – including China and South Korea! Hi Thungla, tell us about yourself and your musical journey so far. I’m originally from Wokha district, and now I am based in Dimapur. I graduated from Unity College Dimapur; I’m now a full time musician, and also work as …

Here’s What Fashionable Working Professionals Wear in Nagaland

Published by Tiarenla

In Nagaland, in fact in most parts of North East India, “Fashion” is as trendy as it can get in an average person’s regular life. People out here are impeccably dressed – not just on occasions, but almost every day. For young and old alike, looking good is a prerogative, and sensible dressing aesthetics come naturally. In the spirit of celebrating good taste and our mission to give a glimpse into the local life – untouched and true, our latest contributor Tiarenla curates her most stylish friends to give us a taste of what Fashion means to working folks in Nagaland. Sashila Ozükum | Administrator, Hope Academy, Dimapur Sashila’s style (photo above) is simple, elegant and classy. She believes that the way we dress says a lot about us. “I would like to come across as a smart, confident woman and my style helps me put that across. Workwear for me is semi formal attire – comprising mainly of dresses and skirts. I don’t have a particular place that I shop from, or favourite brands as such; however, I am biased …