Our Correspondent
Lumami, September 19
The Pro-vice Chancellor of Nagaland University, Meriema Campus, professor Lanunungsang has traced the “conflict, war and restlessness of the society we see today” in Nagaland to the inability of the “government and institutions” to realize and peace as “an important element for human beings.”
The venerated professor shared this message while delivering the keynote address at the State level consultation on “Communicating a culture of peace in Naga Society: Alternative perspectives” at Nagaland University, Lumami on Friday last.
He noted that even as the government makes many high policies in term of millions and billions of dollars for developmental projects, war and other programs, they neglect the need to educate and spread peace.
In this connection he insisted that peace education should be introduced in all the institutions as a separate department or full-fledged function centre which can collaborate with all institution in the country.
Speaking from a Gandhian perspective, the professor also asserted that ‘all Nagas are Gandhians’ because they are highly tolerant and brave, simple and honest, religious and peace loving. He added that Nagas love and cares for their women; respect and honor their women. “Nagaland is the state where one will find women the most secured person in India,” he stated.
The professor, who is the brain behind the establishment of Centre for Gandhian Studies and Research at NU Lumami campus, also stated that there is conflict because we are neglecting the principles of Gandhian teachings.
“After 36-37 years of negotiations, if we are not serious about the ‘Framework Agreement’ and if we forget the Gandhian principle, we will miss the real peace. We should be serious about the Indo-Naga peace settlement. We should not shy away from the reality,” he commented.
“For the Nagas, it is time to remember our past mistakes, forgive each other, discuss and work together for the peace process. It is the time to learn the art of living together, cultivate the peace culture and to grow bolder together for a better Naga future. A time to enlarge the identity of Nagas by way of discussions,” Lanunungsang said.
He also highlighted that the serious threat and challenges posed to the region by the influx of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. He said “it has already started cracking India from within which may result in taking away of total peace from us.”
Also, the Chancellor of Nagaland University Prof BK Konwar, who was the chief guest at the inaugural function, said that the lack of peace is leading to conflict and human beings are reverting back to animal world.
He also asserted that “without prosperity, peace is not possible and without progress peace is not possible.” The Chancellor shared that “if this generation (of Nagas) is committed towards work culture, then I am hopeful that in next five to fifteen years Nagaland will be one of the economically progressed states were peace will exist.”.
Konwar also released a book on “Women and Gender: Emerging voices from North-east India” published by the Tribal Research Centre, Nagaland University. The seminar was jointly organized by the Centre for Gandhian Studies and Research and the Clark Communication and Cultural Research Centre.
Mention may be made here that the Centre for Gandhian Studies and Research at Nagaland University, Lumami campus is the only Gandhian Studies centre in entire Northeast India established in the year 2006.
During the technical session, Dr. Neizo Puro, Nagaland University was the moderator while Dr Temjen Jamir, Dean of CTC and Dr Eyingbeni Humtsoe Nienu of CTC were the rapporteurs. Six eminent speakers also presented their papers on various topics. They include Kaka D Iralu, a writer and social activist, Dr Lanusashi, Dept of Geography, NU, Prof. AK Singh, Dept of Political Science, NU, Dr Eyingbeni Humtsoe Nienu, CTC, Joel Nillo, Co-convenor of ACAUT and Dr L Imsutoshi Jamir, Director of CCCRC.
