With Supongsangla Walling (Department In-Charge | Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Tetso College)
3T: Is it hard being a working woman in Naga society? How do you tackle the problems that you face?
Supongsangla: Personally, no. The contributions of working women in almost all the spheres are a blessing to society. Many people have great admiration for women contributing to the workforce in any sectors and that is EMPOWERING. We cannot ignore the societal expectations and the “Do’s” and “Don’ts” working women have to keep up with yet getting the support and respect from people towards us is uplifting.
For working mothers, they may experience difficulties at some point in their lives taking care of their children and their career. I salute all the working mothers for being positive role models to their children. From an early age, a child needs to know that women can also have a professional life of their own.
3T: How rewarding is teaching a subject that you are passionate about?
Supongsangla: Nothing can be more rewarding and satisfying than teaching a subject that you put your whole heart into. Teaching this subject requires me to be analytical and curious and at the same time, be sociable and thoughtful while interacting with people from diverse backgrounds. Making the students use sociological imagination while they learn and seeing the evidence that is impacting lives itself is rewarding.
3T: Do you think that there is a vacuum between the relationship of teachers and students in Tetso College? If so, what can both sides do to fill it?
Supongsangla: Being here for about 2 years, I observed that the student-teacher relationship in Tetso College is somehow good. Speaking of building stronger and better relationships, as your teachers, we want the best from you because we value you as significant people. As teachers, we can wield a greater power to the students by making every student feel that they are valued and cared as individuals irrespective of their abilities and capabilities.
All teachers in Tetso College are very efficient, supportive and understanding so students should always try to communicate and reach out to your teachers without hesitation. While doing so, remember to maintain the fine line with them for the best interest of all. Treating your teachers with dignity and respect can establish a positive environment. Those are my personal viewpoints that I feel can fill in the gap for better relationships.
3T: Is there any raging societal issue that you would want to be solved at the earliest? Why and how does it disturb you?
Supongsangla: In our society, there are numerous social problems that needs to be addressed. I would like to share my concern over the still existing dispute between the tribal traditions and political equality for Naga women. In modernity, the traditional belief on providing decision-making platforms to women is still a preconception to many tribal groups. Women’s role is requisite in human progress and it is time that the local governance commits to gender equity and develop an inclusive culture.
3T: Vocational education and recreational activities along with quality education are so important for the all-round development of a pupil. Do you think that the educational institutions in Nagaland are putting in enough effort to cater the needs of students here in Nagaland?
Supongsangla: Nagaland is in a progressive stage. We have some good educational institutions that provides vocational and technical courses to the learners but it is very limited due to negligence and inadequate infrastructural facilities. In addition to that, teacher training programmes must be given to ensure qualified faculties in the institutes. The State Government must prioritize this. It will be good if a compulsory vocational course is added in the curriculum to provide holistic, integrated, enjoyable and engaging learning.
Regarding recreational activities, almost all the educational institutions in Nagaland are putting efforts in organizing activities for the development of psycho-motor, effective and cognitive domains catering to the needs of the learners.
3T: If you could describe your experience here in Tetso in three words, what would they be?
Supongsangla: Engaging, Innovating, and Conscientious.
3T: Since you are NET Qualified, what will you advise your students who wish to pass the NET examination?
Supongsangla: Work hard, study smart, be persistent, and learn from mistakes. There is a misconception that one can crack the exam without preparation but it easier said than done. I started my serious preparation for the exam when I was in MA 4th Semester and cracked it on my 3rd attempt. I recommend the students to buy books of Paper 1 (Teaching & Research aptitude) and Paper 2/ 3 (your Selected Subject) and dedicate yourself to it. Keep your will power strong and your determination unshaken.
3T: How useful is Sociology as a subject?
Supongsangla: As social beings, we must learn how to internalize the norms of the culture, understand the structures and the arrangement of social institutions which enables us to interact and live together. I vividly remember my Sociology Professor Dr. Temjensosang from Nagaland University, Lumami who told us that we have not fully learned Sociology if we did not study and understand social theories. He was right because studying the theories of social thinkers helps us understand society deeper. In addition, Sociology studies the social problems, institutions, race and ethnicity etc., and there are courses like Sociology of Health, Gerontology, Sociology of Sports, Gender Studies, Criminology, Political Sociology, Environmental Sociology, Industrial Sociology, Rural-Urban Sociology to name a few. Thus, Sociology covers almost every aspect and sphere of our life.
By this very fact, since we live in a society, we must learn and understand our society and the systems because society is complex. Career prospects for those pursuing Sociology is also very high. There is an urgent need to introduce this subject in all the schools, colleges and universities.
3T: If you were an ice-cream, which flavour would you be?
Supongsangla: A tough choice between Blueberry and Tangy Lime. If I were to choose only one, it will be Blueberry flavour which is slightly sweet mixed with a little bit of tartness. It is refreshing. Life will be dull without a bit of tanginess, right?
3T: What do you think of the technological literacy in Nagaland?
Supongsangla: Nagaland is progressing and we have lots to achieve. In the past, the society could afford less to let its people develop their knowledge in technology but with the transition in the era, almost all the people have developed an understanding of it. We are living in a smart digitalized connected world so people are required to adapt to the changes. In some interior areas, many are technologically literate yet with the social and geographical disadvantages, smooth access is not feasible. Digital divide as we talk often is not an old issue because of the lack of technological development in the society. With the mission and the vision of National Digital Literacy Mission in Nagaland, there is a ray of hope to achieve a Digital Literate Nagaland.
3T: Tetso College has so many departmental activities, which program do you look forward to the most and why?
Supongsangla: All the Departments in Tetso College are doing laudable works by organizing innovative and impactful programmes and activities. I am looking forward for “Sociology Day” which is scheduled tentatively in November. It will be an annual event and there will be presentations from the Honours students and competitions will be held under different categories. This will boost their confidence and enhance their skills and talents. So, this will be a student centric event. Do wish us the best.
Alongside, as an outgoing person, the annual educational tours initiated by many Departments in Tetso College is one activity I really look forward to because we get opportunities for a rich experience by visiting the places but unfortunately this activity has to wait until we see a green signal.