Tetso College hosts postgraduate state-level seminar

English and Political Science departments of Tetso College organised a one-day postgraduate state-level seminar on ‘Modernity amidst the indigenous backdrop of Nagaland’ on March 10 at the Lorin Hall of the college.

An update from the college stated that the seminar focused on preserving Naga indigenous culture and the interface between tradition and modernity in the Naga society.

Delivering the keynote address, the assistant dean of School of English and Political Studies, Anjan K Behera, defined the understanding of modernity relating to the present as opposed to the past on ideas, customs and social behaviour of a particular people or society. He has stressed on how culture evolves via interactions with other cultures - for instance, religion and 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 that were not clear to young generations today. He also an instance on how education, to some extent, has not sensitised 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 one’s culture lest it would 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 and culture for their benefit which robs the sanctity of traditional motifs and clothes.

The first technical session moderated by Dr. Eastrose, coordinator of History department, was based on the topic ‘Socio-cultural spectrum of the Naga society” and followed with question and answer session.

During the session, five students namely Lamneiphal Khongsai, MA CC from Oriental Theological Seminary; Chubaienla Pongen, MA Political Science 2nd semester from St. Joseph University; Imlirenla Ao, MA English 4th semester from Tetso College; Neiphrezo Ciesotsu, MA Political Science 2nd semester from Tetso College; and Cheweu Mero, MA English 2nd semester from Tetso College, presented papers as per their findings.

The second technical session moderated by Dr. Jenny Lalmuanpuii, coordinator of Mass Communication department, was based on the topic ‘Reading Nagaland: A cross-cultural review” and followed with question and answer session.