DIMAPUR, NOV 5 (NPN): Nagaland governor Nand Kishore Yadav has called for greater ownership of Naga narratives, urging people to document their histories, preserve their cultural heritage and tell their stories in their own voices.
He was addressing the valedictory session of Phase-I of the 3rd Dr. P.S. Lorin Education & Media Conclave 2026-27 at Tetso College, Sovima Campus, Chümoukedima, on Thursday. Yadav said documenting Nagaland’s stories was a shared responsibility. He said communities, educators, researchers, media practitioners and young people all had a role to play.
The one-day conclave was held on the theme “Who Tells Nagaland’s Story? Rooted in Heritage, Ready for the World”. The conclave, which brought together media professionals, educators and students, discussed narrative ownership, indigenous representation and cultural preservation.
Highlighting the media’s responsibility in an age of rapid information flow, Yadav said accuracy must take precedence over speed and evidence over sensationalism. He urged media practitioners to uphold credibility, integrity and accountability, particularly in a close-knit society like Nagaland.
The governor encouraged students to use podcasts, research papers, documentaries and social media to preserve indigenous stories and values. He said stories documented today could become historical records for future generations. He urged young people to record their communities’ experiences responsibly.
Yadav also called for stronger collaboration among educational institutions, communities, researchers, policymakers and media organisations. He said colleges could promote local research and document indigenous knowledge. He added that media organisations should strengthen professional standards and provide greater space for local voices.
Responding to the conclave’s central question, Yadav said Nagaland’s stories belonged to everyone. This included elders who preserve memories and traditions, educators who pass them on, researchers who document them, journalists who bring them into public discourse and young people who carry them forward.
The governor paid tribute to late Dr. P.S. Lorin for his vision and contribution to educational excellence in Nagaland.
He also commended Tetso College for its growth and contribution to society. He acknowledged the organisers, panellists, media partners, resource persons and participants.
Earlier, HornbillTV associate editor Al Ngullie and Nagaland Post sub-editor Samuel Beech took part in a panel discussion on the conclave theme. The session was moderated by Toka V., assistant professor in the Department of Mass Communication, Tetso College.
The discussion examined the media’s role in shaping public narratives and deciding what makes news. It also stressed the need to highlight authentic and socially significant stories without sensationalism or bias. Panellists expressed concern over the decline of oral storytelling and the lack of documented historical archives. They stressed the urgency of preserving indigenous narratives for future generations.
The inaugural programme was chaired by Dr. Nouzhienino Peseyie, HoD, department of psychology, Tetso college while the valedictory programme was chaired by Dr. Lucy Sumi, assistant professor, department of computer science. Tetso college principal Dr. Hewasa L. Khing delivered the welcome address.
A book titled “Rethinking Education: Academic Excellence for an Unwritten Future” was also released. It is an outcome of the Dr. P.S. Lorin Education 2025. The Governor (Lt. P.B. Acharya) Dr. T. Ao’s Scholarship was awarded to Shyerinlo Thong, a first-semester student, and Y. Theila Phom, a third-semester student.
Both are from the Department of Education and were recognised for their achievements in sports, particularly cricket and badminton.
The Phase-II of the conclave, scheduled for January 15, 2027, would focus on visual media and global storytelling through workshops and an interactive session.
