Nagaland: Tetso College hosts a two-day ICSSR seminar

A two-day ICSSR-sponsored National Seminar on the theme “Interwoven Voices: Indigenous Languages and Music as Cultural Anchors in Northeast India” was held at Tetso College from January 29 to 30, bringing together scholars, researchers and students to deliberate on indigenous languages, music and knowledge systems of the Northeast.
The seminar was jointly organised by the Department of Music and the Department of Linguistics, Tetso College, and featured seven technical sessions conducted in both offline and online modes.
The inaugural programme was held on January 29 at Lorin Hall, with director, North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC), Dimapur, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, Dr. Prashanna Gogoi delivering the keynote address. In his address, Dr. Gogoi highlighted the richness and diversity of indigenous cultures across the Northeastern states, stating that language and music serve as living cultural archives preserving community memory, worldview and values.
He emphasised that indigenous musical and linguistic traditions should be recognised as knowledge systems rather than merely performance forms, and called for systematic documentation and academic engagement to safeguard them for future generations. Referring to the pressures of modernisation and cultural homogenisation, Dr. Gogoi stressed the need for collaborative efforts among institutions, researchers and communities to strengthen preservation initiatives.
The inaugural session was chaired by assistant professor, Department of Linguistics, Dr. Wapanginla Aier. The programme included a welcome address by Tetso College principal Dr. Hewasa L. Khing, watering of the Tree of Wisdom, the college anthem, and an invocation by assistant professor, Department of Music, Thujoi Rhakho. A musical presentation titled “Cultural Cadence of Nagaland” was performed by the Department of Music.
The second day featured parallel online sessions focusing on indigenous music and knowledge, oral tradition, and indigenous language documentation. Moderated by Dr. Achuth A., Dr. Thejasanuo Khezhie and Dr. Kailadbou Daimai, the sessions covered themes such as ecological imagery in Khasi song texts, music and landscape in literature, symbolism and worldview in folk songs, oral narrative traditions, ritual and gender in festival contexts, and indigenous language documentation studies.
The seminar concluded with a valedictory programme held in hybrid mode and chaired by assistant professor, Department of Music, N. Shelao. Participants shared feedback highlighting the academic and cultural relevance of the seminar.
The valedictory keynote address was delivered by assistant professor and head, Department of Music, Martin Luther Christian University, Shillong, Dr. Donovan Kitborlang Swer, who stressed the need to document and promote indigenous musical and linguistic traditions, particularly among younger generations. Certificates were distributed to participants, marking the successful conclusion of the seminar.