The Departments of English & Political Science, Tetso College organised a One – Day Postgraduate State Level Seminar on ‘Modernity Amidst the Indigenous Backdrop of Nagaland’ on March 10, 2023, at the Lorin Hall, Tetso College. The seminar focused on preserving Naga indigenous culture and the Interface between Tradition and Modernity
in the Naga Society.
The inaugural programme was hosted by Tshopeu Lasushe, MA IV Semester of the English Department followed by a welcome address delivered by Sushmita Hoshi, Asst. Professor in Political Science, Tetso College. The Tetso Choir enthralled the audience with the College Anthem, Strive for Excellence.
The Keynote address was delivered by Anjan K Behera, Assistant Dean, School of English & Political Studies. In his speech, he defined the understanding of Modernity relating to the present as opposed to the past as ideas, customs and social behaviour of a particular people or society. He also stressed on how culture evolves via interactions with other cultures – for instance, religion & pop culture over time citing examples from various sources. Behera also posed the question of how Nagas are losing their identity – the way a Naga owns and wears a shawl and the significance of the patterns and
colours are not clear to young generations today. How education, to some extent, has not sensitized us about the way tradition has evolved and also to some extent blamed an individual for alienating themselves from native indigenous culture. Behera also
expressed his concerns to be aware of our Culture lest it will fade in a span of a short time. In the end, he presented a big picture to the audience about how social media may portray the wrong concept of the Naga identity & culture for their benefit which robs the sanctity of traditional motifs and clothes.
The first Technical Session moderated by Dr Eastrose, Department Coordinator of History was based on the theme “Socio-Cultural Spectrum of The Naga Society” followed by a Q&A session. Five students from different colleges presented their papers as per their findings.
Lamneiphal Khongsai, M.A.CC, Oriental Theological Seminary, presented on how the deconstruction of an internalised misogynistic attitude will enable people to positively accept men as homemakers the same way men who are leaders and providers are accepted, admired, and applauded.
Chubaienla Pongen, M.A 2nd Semester, Department of Political Science, St. Joseph University, expressed the pressing need for the Nagas to inculcate rich intellectual, and cultural values and heritage so as to perpetuate its indigenous practices.
Imlirenla Ao, M.A. 4th Semester, Department of English, Tetso College, highlighted on the Kinship terminology and Marriage system in the Ao-Naga tribe in Nagaland.
Neiphrezo Ciesotsu, M.A. 2nd Semester, Department of Political Science, Tetso College, questioned the notion of Religion that has always been unclear and controversial.
Cheweu Mero, MA 2nd Semester, Department of English, Tetso College, emphasized on the practices and belief of the superstitious elements in daily life that represents the inclusion of supernatural elements believed to be practised by two Naga Tribes, Angami and Chakhesang.
The Second Technical session moderated by Dr Jenny Lalmuanpuii, Department Coordinator of Mass Communication focused on the theme “Reading Nagaland: A Cross-Cultural Review”. Six presenters presented their findings and insight accordingly
followed by a Q&A session.
Akumsoba Longchar, M.A 4th Semester, Department of English, Tetso College, spoke on Naga mythology, folklores which have been passed down in the form of oral tradition, from generation to generation since the mode of writing was not in use.
Moamenla Pongen, MA 4th Semester, Department of Political Science St. Joseph University presented a comparative analysis of the Status of the indigenous Ao dialect under Chumoukedima and Mokokchung districts.
Swunilo Kemp, M.A 4th Semester, Department of Political Science, Tetso College, spoke on how Religion and politics have been interconnected throughout history.
Sevotolu Rhakho, M.A. 4th Semester, Department of Political Science, Tetso College, spoke on how North East India have suffered insurgency for decades and determined the policy options for effective segregation.
L.Yapangsangla Imchen, M.A. 4th Semester, Department of English, Tetso College, emphasized Cultural Fragmentation with the call of civilization in North-East India.
Manshom A Konyak, M.A. 2nd Semester, Department of English, Tetso College, highlighted the different folk songs sung by the Konyak Nagas and also encouraged the young generation to reconstruct the lost culture.
The Seminar ended with a Valedictorian programme hosted by Kikrukhrie-ü Chishi, MA English, 4th Semester, Tetso College. Dr. Karan Gurung, Assistant Professor, Department of History and Lamneiphal Khongsai, MA in Clinical Counseling, Oriental
Theological Seminary gave their reviews on the Seminar.
The closing remarks and certificate distribution were conducted by Hawaibam Loiyumba, Core Team Member of the Organizing Committee and Thejasanuo, Co-convenor, Tetso College respectively. Altogether, Eleven presenters successfully presented their papers based on their findings and around 80 participants actively participated in the seminar.