Kohima: Nagaland University’s Department of English, Kohima Campus, Meriema, hosted a two-day national seminar on indigenous knowledge systems and artistic traditions in Northeast India on September 15-16.
The seminar, titled “Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Artistic Traditions in Northeast India: Literature, Culture and Community Wisdom”, brought together scholars, writers, artists, research scholars and students to discuss indigenous knowledge, cultural traditions and community wisdom.
In the keynote address, Dr I. Anungla Aier, former Director of Higher Education, Nagaland, described indigenous knowledge, folklore and cultural identity as interconnected pillars of community life. She said folklore provides the framework, indigenous knowledge its substance, while cultural identity emerges from their interaction.
Pro Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University’s Kohima Campus, Prof N. Venuh, highlighted the importance of indigenous knowledge for young scholars and the challenges of translating indigenous concepts into English.
Nagaland University Vice-Chancellor Prof J.K. Patnaik, in an online address, stressed the need to recover, preserve and recognise indigenous traditions passed down through generations.
The seminar also featured a plenary session, panel discussion and technical sessions covering traditional food systems, folklore, oral traditions, cultural memory, medicinal knowledge, ritual practices, indigenous epistemology, translation, performing arts and tribal literature.
Prof Robin S. Ngangom, retired professor at NEHU, emphasised the role of poets in engaging with political violence, social trauma and everyday realities in the Northeast, describing such writing as “poetry of witness”.
A panel discussion on the second day focused on indigenous-centred approaches, community experiences in classrooms, tribal art, craftsmanship, nature and cultural identity.
The seminar concluded with a call for greater integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems into school curricula, with participants highlighting education and research as key to preserving cultural heritage and connecting younger generations with indigenous traditions.
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