12/08/2026
HLP concludes 6th Cohort with graduation ceremony at Jirsong Asong
DIPHU, Aug 11: The Heritage Learning Program (HLP), a two-month flagship youth learning initiative of the Centre for Karbi Studies, designed and directed by Sabin Rongpipi, concluded its sixth cohort with a Graduation Day ceremony held on August 10 at Jirsong Asong. The sixth cohort was conducted from June 25 to August 10, 2026, with 18 students completing the programme.
Launched in 2018, the Heritage Learning Program was envisioned as a space for young people to explore heritage, identity, communication, personal development, leadership and community engagement through experiential learning.
The Graduation Day brought together students, facilitators, alumni, parents, guests and supporters of the programme. Dr. Dharamsing Teron, Director, Centre for Karbi Studies, delivered the Foundation Day and Graduation Day Address. Avijit Kro, Deputy Speaker, KAAC, attended the ceremony as the Special Guest and spoke about the importance of continuing initiatives that invest in young people. He also expressed his willingness to support HLP's future work, including financial assistance in developing a dedicated space for the programme. He was accompanied by KAAC Board Chairman Prakash Sangma.
The ceremony was also attended by Sotkiri Terang, Entrepreneur, Food Wifi, Yanji from Nagaland, currently associated with Bosco Institute, Jorhat, Purbali from Jorhat, who runs Hatipoti Pre-School, Kajek Tokbipi, KNCA leader, Durgeswari Rongpipi KNCA member, Rasika Kropi, among others.
Facilitators who were present at the Graduation Day included Dhonison Lekthe, Additional Judge, District Council Court, who facilitated the module on Karbi Customary Law, Maggie Katharpi, who conducted the opening Spoken English session, Klir Tissopi, who facilitated Spoken English and Communication, Dr. Kareng Ronghangpi, who conducted Career Guidance, and Priyanka D. Sangma and Klirka Engtipi of Ingdang Society, who conducted a Story Roulette session for the cohort. Several other facilitators who contributed to the programme but could not attend the Graduation Day were also acknowledged for their role in the students' learning journey.
The sixth cohort also marked another stage in the development of the HLP alumni network. The event also received support from several individuals behind the scenes. The Kormāndu team contributed to the event by preparing and serving lunch for the gathering.
Over the years, HLP has evolved from a small youth learning initiative into a growing community of young people, facilitators and alumni. Its curriculum has incorporated areas such as heritage and culture, Karbi studies, customary law, spoken English, communication, career guidance, leadership, community engagement, creative learning and experiential activities.
The completion of the sixth cohort marks another milestone in the programme's journey, while the growing alumni network and continued involvement of facilitators and supporters are expected to strengthen the programme's future initiatives. With six cohorts completed, approximately 90 young people graduating from the programme and more than 20 facilitators contributing over the years, HLP continues to work towards creating meaningful learning spaces for young people and encouraging them to connect their personal growth with their communities and heritage.