A two-day international conference “Leading Together Dialogues 2023” on the theme “Indigenous Knowledge & Sustainability” hosted by Tetso College concluded on November 29.
The Leading Together Dialogues was initiated in 2021 and was a collaboration between undergraduate students led by the University of Melbourne and undergraduate students at four leading institutions across India – Tetso College in Nagaland, Stella Maris College in Chennai, Savitribai Phule Pune University, and the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Guwahati campus.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between the host college, Stella Maris College and University of Melbourne by their representatives Dr. Hewasa L. Khing, Prof. Kate MacNeill and Dr. Sr. Stella Mary, to take forward the collaborative approach of the participating institutions in pursuit of the shared goals of the Leading Together programme.
On the concluding day, a ‘Short Film & Documentary Screening’ was hosted by Talinungsang, Asst. Dean, School of Computer Science, IT & NIELIT, Tetso College at Lorin Hall with Kirsty McKellar, Co-ordinator, Leading Together Program, University of Melbourne as facilitator, Dr. Lakshmi Priya Daniel, Associate Professor, Department of Fine Arts, Stella Maris College (Autonomous), Chennai and Dr. Wichamdinbo Mataina, Asst. Professor, Department of Linguistics, NEIIPA Convenor, Tetso College as discussants.
The first documentary video was presented by Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Guwahati campus. The second documentary video was presented by the University of Melbourne. The third documentary video was presented by Savitribai Phule Pune University.
The fourth documentary video was presented by Stella Maris College. After the screening of films, three students from participant institutes presented their reflections of the documentary videos. It was followed by field visits to Heirloom Naga and the Bamboo Resource Center (Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency) where the students gained insights into sustainable farming practices, biodiversity conservation, and the significance of bamboo as a versatile and eco-friendly resource.
Meanwhile, a panel discussion on “Indigenous Heritage and Decolonization: The Naga Repatriation Journey” was also held where the panelists were Dr. Phyobemo Ngully, Consultant Psychiatrist, Member of Forum for Naga Reconciliation, Member of Nagaland Medical Council, Chairman of Kohima Educational Society; Yimtiyong Longkumer, BA 5th Semester, History Honours, Tetso College and Ahyule Keppen, BA 5th Semester, Political Science Honours, Tetso College, and moderated by Manngai H. Phom, a member of Recover, Restore and Decolonize (RRaD).
Earlier, on November 28, advisor to chief minister, Abu Metha who graced the inaugural programme as special guest, appreciated the organizers of the Leading Together Dialogue 2023, for its continuity and success and assured cooperation and support of the Nagaland government towards the strategies and aspirations contained within the MoU.
He also expressed interest in collaboration for the project of setting up a Centre of Indigenous Knowledge as mentioned by the representative of the University of Melbourne.
Metha acknowledged the role of scholars, academicians, and experts who were leading together dialogues and international conferences in the fields of indigenous knowledge and sustainability.
He also called for more research into the Naga traditional practices passed on by the forefathers and discussed some traditional practices as part of the Naga indigenous knowledge, including agricultural practices, foods, medicines, and disaster responses.
Asserting the strength of the Naga society remains the close-knit community, social bonding and culture of sharing, Metha emphasized on the need for balance between change and rootedness. Prof. Kate MacNeill, Associate Dean, Education and Students, University of Melbourne expressed her gratitude, excitement and happy to be in Nagaland to attend the leading together conference and also applauded the warm hospitality of the host college.
She acknowledged Prof. Priya Daniels for taking the initiative and taking the opportunity of a united board fellowship and expressed fortunate to be approached by the united board to host a united board fellowship with another university.
Prof. Kate also mentioned how the collaboration brought them to surprising places, the conference here in Nagaland which they never thought. Earlier, the inaugural session began with the processional entry of the special guest, delegates and invitees, led by the cadets of National Cadet Corps of Tetso College.
Women’s department of Rengma Baptist Church, Sovima, invoked God’s presence followed by a special Rengma folk song presented by the department.
Director of Tetso College, Kvulo Lorin delivered the welcome address and called for action with respect to the goals of the conference leading towards effective empowerment of the indigenous communities.
Principal of Tetso College, Dr. Hewasa L. Khing shared the Tetso Vision 2030 document and declared the Tetso Vision was a thought initiative, a commitment made by the Tetso Community members in the presence of all the esteemed guests. The vision was to make a meaningful connection towards preserving heritage, towards empowering indigenous communities, and creating sustainable futures.
The signatories of the vision document were the Tetso College Executive Committee members, the Tetso college Governing Body, advisory members which include Prof. Dolly Kikon, Prof. Kate MacNeill, Abu Metha, Dr. Sedevi Angami. The advisory members were invited to sign the document after the declaration.