School curriculum on Naga indigenousness need of the hour: Nagaland Education Association

Nagaland Education Association (NEA) on June 14, stated that a school curriculum of Naga indigenousness was the need of the hour for children of Nagaland to learn the rich intellectual, cultural values to inculcate in children a strong sense of love for Naga patriotism.
Addressing the media at SIEMAT building, SCERT Nagaland, NEA president, Dr. Zavise Rume said there was urgent need to bring back Naga tradition to the school system of education to produce well-rounded and productive individuals.
He said traditionally, Naga ethos was limited to the idea that ideas were formed on the basis of practice and observation and that Nagas had a strong belief that experience and practice comes before learning.
Dr. Zavise added that Nagas followed a philosophy where experience preceded ideas and accordingly, children were guided by the reality of the real world and that philosophy of foundational learning forms the basis of all future learning experiences.
He informed that NEP 2020 was committed to promoting tribal knowledge, indigenous ways of learning and to introduce specific courses in tribal ethno-medicinal practices, natural farming, etc.
He observed that the modern education system required its own basis founded on “our own culture, tradition and values practiced by our own people.”
He opined that the education in Nagaland should be firmly built around its own social and traditional practices.
Former SCERT director, Vipralhou Kesiezie said traditional knowledge refers to traditional ways of life and sustenance of their subsistence.
He pointed out that indigenous education strengthened cultural identity & continuity, customary laws & customary governance systems and restores a key role for the elders.
Kesiezie said although Nagas did not have written records of their history, culture and tradition, everything was passed down through word of mouth.
He further pointed out that despite the absence of modern education, Nagas survived this far, based on tested primitive ways of life.