Tetso College ICSSR sponsored Three-Day National Seminar underway The inaugural session of the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) sponsored Three-Day National Seminar (Blended) on ‘Thinking Dynamic Shifts: Religion and Gender in Representations of Northeast India,’ organized by the Department of English, Tetso College, Dimapur, was held on 16th October at Lorin Hall, Tetso College with Ms. Bano Megolhusau Haralu, distinguished journalist and Senior Conservation Consultant, as the Keynote Speaker.
Dr. Ningsangrenla, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology at Tetso College, chaired the Inaugural Program, encouraging participants to engage deeply with the seminar’s themes and derive meaningful insights. Following her address, the keynote speaker, along with the Principal, Vice Principal, and seminar convenor, participated in the symbolic act of watering the Tree of Wisdom, a Tetso tradition. The Chairperson then led the attendees to the college anthem, followed by a prayer for the seminar’s success by Mr. Yuhnwalo Lorin, Manager of Support & Services.
In her welcome note, Dr. Hewasa L Khing, Principal of Tetso College emphasized the seminar as a platform for academic growth, encouraging participants to be Dreamers, Thinkers, and Doers, and to extend their deliberations beyond the classroom, as part of an ongoing academic building exercise. This was followed by a vibrant cultural performance by the Cultural Troupe of Tetso College.
The program also witnessed the special launch of the first eBook of its kind under Tetso College’s publication, Koralong in Longsa and Other Stories: Graphic Naga Folktales. Chubamenla Longkumer, Assistant Professor, Department of English, Tetso College, editor for the eBook, in her address, remarked, ‘What began as an assignment for the Interdisciplinary Course on Naga Folklore quickly evolved into an eBook, thanks to the students’ effort and creativity in illustrating these stories.’ The eBook contains fourteen stories, each reflecting universal themes while being deeply rooted in the customs and traditions of the Naga tribes. The eBook is available on the college website.
In her keynote address, Bano Megolhusau Haralu highlighted how the media often portrays Northeast India through the lens of insurgency and conflict, overshadowing its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. She emphasized that the region’s true essence is best represented through its women, cultural vibrancy, and community spirit. Addressing the issue of how women suffer inequality under the tag of customary laws, and how to date are caught in the web of traditions and customs, she called for these laws to be grounded in equality and human rights, quoting Kamla Bhasin, “To achieve gender equality, we must all, men and women, confront and overcome our own negative traits.” She encouraged the audience to engage in meaningful dialogue during the seminar, urging a deeper understanding of Nagaland’s values and a
broader appreciation of its unique community and environment.
Dr. Puchong Thai, the Seminar Convenor, concluded the inaugural program with an overview of the seminar's objectives, structure, and schedule. The seminar will conclude on 18th October.