Photo Credit: Nenti Kath, B.A 1st Sem
By Mereninla Jamir on September 23 & 24 2016
A UGC sponsored National Seminar on the topic “Heritage Discourse and the Politics of Identity : Issues and Challenges in Nagaland and beyond” was held on 23rd and 24th September 2016 at the college auditorium. The seminar was organised by the department of History in collaboration with the Heritage Publication House Dimapur. The main objective was to create a significant platform where many scholars and intellectuals can come and discuss on issues of our culture and heritage, to identify and bring a solution on how to preserve our identity.
The guest speaker for the seminar was Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, founder of Oriental Theological Seminary and Convenor, Forum for Nagaland Reconciliation. He raised the question “Is history responsible or is it the interpretation of history that leads to deconstruction”. He gave credit to Phizo’s Constructionist attempt in bringing out Naga-ism or Naga-logy. He furthered added that we have a story to tell and our quest for identity can never be dismissed, in contemporary context we must be in support of national constructionism than national idealism. We need to be deeper realists if we need to outgrow the present stage of idealism. He went on to say that every history is unique and thus need to assert their identity.
The presenters were:
1. Dr. Kedilezo Kikhi -(Re) Imagining Naga Homeland and Identities: Its Relevance in the Present Neoliberal context.”
2. David Hanneng -“History, Heritage and Identity : A study on the Kukis of Nagaland.”
3. Dr. Salikyu Sangtam-“The Historical Culture of Hill Politics.”
4. Yabang Changkiri – “Indigenous Pottery Production : Reflecting Cultural Identities of the Nagas.”
5. Nungchim Christopher-“The Moyon traditional marriage system : Continuity and Change.”
6. Dr. Benjongkumba – “Communization of Elementary Education : A process of optimizing the use of social capital in Nagaland.”
7. Dr. D.L. Haokip – “Christianity and Bible translation in Manipur: A case study of the Tangkhul of Manipur.”
8. Kaba Daniel – “Politics of Identity Construction : Insider’s view of pan-Naga past and present in North East India.”
9. Nivibo Y Sumi – “Understanding the Institution of the Sumi-Naga Marriage : An Analysis.”
10. Mepusangba -“Exploring Identities through Museum.”
11. Lungailin Gangmei – “Material culture of the Rongmei : Change and continuity with special reference to Manipur.”
— at Tetso College.