‘Need to challenge prevalent stereotypes and misrepresentations of Nagaland’

October 29, 2023 41 Views No Comment

International Conference at Kohima College concludes

KOHIMA, OCTOBER 29 (MExN): The International Conference on the theme, “Moments, Movements, and Meanderings: Re-Examining North-east India,” organized by the Naga Scholars’ Association in collaboration with Kohima College culminated on October 28. The valedictory program featured distinguished speakers and highlighted the outstanding success of the conference.

The valedictory program was graced by Sungjeminla, chairperson and Assistant Professor, Department of English, Kohima College, who presided over the proceedings.

The evening’s highlight was the keynote address presented by Dr Kevileno Sakhrie, a retired Associate Professor from the Department of English at Kohima College and a distinguished literary critic.

In her keynote address, Dr Sakhrie underscored the need to challenge the prevalent stereotypes and misrepresentations of Nagaland and its people. She pointed out how Nagaland has been misunderstood and misrepresented by many well-meaning writers from outside the North-east, emphasizing the need to move beyond the clichés of insurgency and militancy to understand the region’s unique history, culture, and aspirations.

She also delved into the evolution of Naga literature, particularly in English, which is a relatively recent phenomenon. Dr Sakhrie acknowledged the role of pioneering Naga women writers such as Easterine Kire, Temsula Ao, Mona Lisa Changkija, and Nini Lungalung in shaping the literary landscape of the region. These writers, according to her, have given voice to the collective experiences of Naga womanhood and explored the traumatic impact of conflicts and violence on Naga society.

Dr Sakhrie elaborated on how Naga literature has transitioned from post-colonial to decolonial, with a new generation of writers challenging existing literary norms and narrative forms. She celebrated the emerging writers’ commitment to retaining their indigenous identity while engaging with a global readership.

The keynote address also addressed the challenges faced by Naga literature, including the underrepresentation in mainstream academic curricula and linguistic challenges. Dr Sakhrie called for a narrative space that allows Naga writers to tell stories of everyday experiences, culture, and tribal worldviews, emphasizing the importance of indigenous voices in shaping the cultural mosaic of India.

In the context of the growing influence of global culture in urban Nagaland, Dr Sakhrie expressed concern about the shift away from native languages in favor of foreign languages like Korean. She urged schools and homes to promote the preservation of Naga culture and language while acknowledging the importance of embracing a globalized world.

Dr Sakhrie emphasized the role of education, particularly in schools, in shaping national identity and preserving cultural heritage. She cited the work of Kenyan novelist Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, who emphasized the power of literature in shaping a post-colonial society.

The conference brought together a remarkable gathering of intellectuals, scholars, and researchers. According to Dr Theyiesinuo Keditsu in her conference report, there were 123 registered participants representing 19 institutions from across Nagaland, as well as 13 regional and national institutions including the University of Delhi, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, IIT Guwahati, and Jamia Millia Islamia, among others.

Additionally, the event also saw participation from 4 international institutions, including the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies (UK), the University of Edinburgh (UK), the University of York (UK), and CITAP, UNC, Chapel Hill (USA).

One of the highlights of the valedictory program was the presentation of certificates to the scholars who had contributed their insights and research to the conference.