Correspondent
KOHIMA, SEP 11 (NPN): A one day National Symposium on “Naga Oral Tradition and Tribal Culture” was held on September 11 at Baptist College, Kohima. The programme was organised by the Research and Development Cell, Baptist College in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), regional centre, Guwahati.
Delivering the keynote address during the inaugural session, anthropologist and head of the Janapada Sampada Division, IGNCA, Professor Anil Kumar stressed the need to preserve the distinct cultural identities, traditions and mother tongues of Nagaland’s tribal communities amid rapid development and growing cultural interaction.
Kumar said Nagaland is home to numerous tribal communities, each with its own unique culture and traditions. He cautioned that rapid development could pose a threat to traditional practices and cultural identities if adequate efforts are not made to preserve them.
While interaction with other cultures is important for appreciating diversity, he noted that assimilation of elements from other cultures could gradually alter traditional practices.
He emphasised that culture does not disappear as long as communities continue to practise it and pass it on to younger generations. Calling for greater participation of youth in preserving and carrying forward their heritage, he urged people to revisit traditional ways of life that shaped the present. Kumar underscored the importance of incorporating indigenous culture and traditional knowledge into school curriculum and promoting the use of mother tongues, describing language as a vital component of cultural identity.
The inaugural programme was chaired by symposium convenor Dr. Sentinaro, Baptist College Kohima. Invocation was pronounced by chaplain Tamreimung Chüsi, while the welcome address was delivered by principal Dr. Kekuchol Pusa.
The inaugural address was given by governing body chairman Vipralhou Kesiezie, followed by a special number from Kikrusalie Rupreo. A message was delivered by Dr. Sapam Ranabir Singh, regional director, IGNCA Guwahati, while rapporteur was assistant professor Suvilu Venuh.
The symposium featured two technical sessions and a panel discussion. In the first session, moderated by Dr. Khobu Tsolo, papers were presented by Prof.Visakhonü Hibo on “Forests as Food Reserves: Naga Traditional Cuisine for Sustainable Food Security and Climate Change Mitigation.” Dr. Kewepfuzu Lohe, on “Oral Tradition and the transmission of Indigenous Ecological Knowledge and Cultural Practices with Special Reference to the Chakhesang Community” and Dr. Aokumla Walling on “Oral Tradition and Archaeology in Nagaland.”
The second session, moderated by Dr. Ghunato Neho, included presentations by Dr. Sophy Lasuh on the politics of Naga cloth, Lanukaba Imchen on challenges in preserving oral traditions, and Prof. Pangersenla Walling on linguistic dimensions of oral traditions. A panel discussion on “Living Traditions: Folk Dance, Folk Songs, Oral Narratives and Social Values in Nagaland Society” was moderated by Dr. Videkhono Yhokha, with panelists Medoselhou Keretsü, Dr. Medongoi Rhakho, Those Kraho and Guru Sangyusang S. Pongener. The valedictory session was chaired by Dr. Kevino Nagi, Asst. Prof, Dept of Commerce, Baptist College, while Dr. Renbemo Odyuo, Asst. Prof, IGNCA, delivered the valedictory address.
Altogether, the symposium witnessed the participation of 164 attendees including guest speakers, scholars, students and faculty. The event provided an interdisciplinary platform to exchange scholarly dialogue and community perspectives, emphasising the documentation, preservation and transmission of Naga oral traditions with integrity and ethical principles.