Naga Society: Culture, Education, and Emerging Trends launched

In the pic:  (L-R) Dr. Lanusangla, Prof BS Chauhan, and Dr. Benjongkumba during the launch of “Naga Society: Culture, Education and Emerging Trends” on May 23 at Hotel Saramati.  (Morung Photo) 

Morung Express News
Dimapur | May 23

A book on the culture, education, and emerging trends of Naga society was today launched at Hotel Saramati here. The book entitled 'Naga Society: Culture, Education and Emerging Trends' covers topic from human rights to customary laws, women empowerment, development, land, and education etc. It is a compilation of 13 papers presented at a seminar held in 2012 at Immanuel College, Dimapur which was jointly organized by Zunheboto Government College and the former.

Dr. Benjongkumba, Asst. Professor of Department of Education, Zunheboto Government College and editor of the book stated that the objective of the book was to reflect the identity of the Nagas, hence, it portrays various aspects concerning Naga society.  The book, he said, is apt not only for the academicians, but for all, including non-Nagas who want to do research on Naga society. The book will become a reference book, he asserted. Further, the editor of the book expressed that “we” have many seminars but hardly turn them into a book. “We will strive for better, more publications,” he added.

Prof BS Chauhan, former pro-vice chancellor, SASRD, Nagaland University, who officially launched the book called the title of the book fascinating and exciting. He enunciated that emerging trends as mentioned in the title particularly is vital. Citing examples of change in Naga culture, customs, and practices, he stated, “Naga society is casteless, there is no class, but things are changing.” He further lamented that education in Nagaland has done little in the field of science and technology. Explaining that there are enough resources in Nagaland, he encouraged, “we must channelize our energy for the growth of the Naga society.”

According to Prof Chauhan, many trends are emerging in Naga society, but two trends are crucial – energy intensive lifestyle and global warming. In India, Prof Chauhan said, the lifestyle of North East region people is energy intensive. Giving example that 7 kgs of wheat is required to produce 1 kg of beef, he said such intensive lifestyle may not be sustainable. “Resources have to be used proportionately…we have resources, we are not able to identify,” he added. On the issue of global warming, he asserted it is here and is a reality. Underlining that if it continues, forest areas will become grasslands, he stressed, “We should do whatever for our future generations.”

Dr. Lanusangla, publisher & chief editor, Heritage Publishing House, chaired the launching programme and Imtijungla Longchar, who has already authored 17 books, said prayer. Imtijungla expressed that Nagaland has produced many scholars, yet there are very few writers. He encouraged the younger scholars to contribute to writing. She emphasized that Nagas should have their own books and younger Naga generation should read about their culture, history and traditions written by Nagas.
The book published by Heritage Publishing House has 152 pages and is priced at Rs. 280/-.
Book Review by Dr. Asangba Tzudir on Page 6.

~MExN