KHINJILI, 10 Oct: A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the Research Institute of World's Ancient Traditions, Cultures and Heritages (RIWATCH) and Nagaland-based Kohima Science College (KSC) at the RIWATCH here in Lower Dibang Valley district on Saturday.

Signed by RIWATCH Executive Director Vijay Swami and KSC Principal Dr Tenjemwabang, the MoU marks the beginning of a shared commitment to learning, collaboration, knowledge exchange, and institutional collaboration between the two institutes.

It aims to foster joint research initiatives, facilitate exchange of expertise and resources, and promote collaborative activities for the advancement of education, cultural preservation, and community development.

Speaking on the occasion, Swami shared his vision of connecting Northeast India through collaborative research, noting that the signing of the MoU with the KSC marks a significant step towards realising this vision.

Emphasising that the partnership would play an important role in documenting, preserving, and promoting the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of the region, he shared the RIWATCH's ongoing plans to develop the institute into a university, envisioned as UWATCH (University of World's Ancient Traditions, Cultures and Heritages) to expand its academic and research activities and extend its reach to a broader community.

Dr Tenjemwabang said that it is the RIWATCH's dedicated efforts and inspiring works in language documentation, research, and cultural preservation that motivated him to pursue this collaboration and take forward the MoU initiative. He expressed confidence that this partnership would strengthen institutional ties, encourage interdisciplinary research, and promote the exchange of ideas and expertise.

"The MoU will serve not merely as a document of agreement, but as the foundation of a lasting partnership, built on shared knowledge, mutual respect and a common commitment to academic excellence and cultural preservation," he said.