John Mech, 3rd Semester Political Science
In today's fast-changing world, it's very important for us, especially young folks, to remember where we come from and the traditions that make us who we are. This article is a gentle reminder to the youth to hold on to our cultural roots while we embrace modernity. When we picture the world as a massive jigsaw puzzle, each piece is like a different culture, it is unique and special in its own way. Being modern doesn't mean we have to toss away our culture like an old toy; we get to enjoy this huge patchwork of diversity that makes the world awesome.
Language as a Cultural Anchor: We can consider our language as a treasure chest, filled with stories, wisdom, and our cultural history. For young folks like us, keeping our language alive connects us to our roots, helps us appreciate where we come from, and makes us proud of who we are. It is like holding onto a thread that ties us to generations before us.
Finding the Right Balance: Balancing modern life and our cultural traditions is a bit like learning to ride a bike smoothly. We want to keep moving forward and explore new horizons, but we don't want to forget where we started. It's not about choosing one over the other; it is about finding a sweet spot where we can enjoy all the cool new things while still keeping our cultural roots strong. Speaking from my own experience, I notice that many of us sometimes forget our own language and culture. We get so caught up in learning new languages and modern ways that we lose touch with our roots. It happened to me too, which is why I want to give everyone a friendly nudge. It's like saying, "Hey, don't forget where you come from."
Cultural Identity in Modern Life: Our culture is like a compass - it helps us find our way while we manoeuvre through life. Staying connected to our roots is like having a reliable guide in this fast-changing world. It doesn't mean we have to live in the past, but it gives us strength and direction as we navigate from the present to the future.
Tetso College's Contribution: Tetso College plays a vital role in preserving and celebrating cultural diversity. The institution recognises that cultural roots are an integral part of a student's identity. To this end, the college encourages students to wear a piece of traditional attire once a month, serving as a meaningful reminder of the importance of our cultural identity. Furthermore, the college organises cultural events where we get to share and enjoy our different backgrounds. These events are like a big cultural potluck where students with diverse culture brings a dish from their home, and we all get to taste a bit of each other's traditions.
Nagaland’s Rich Cultural Diversity : Nagaland, nestled in the North-Eastern part of India, is like a treasure chest of many cultures. Lots of tribes, each with their own unique customs, live here. It's like a colourful tapestry that shows how beautiful diversity can be. There are festivals, dances, and rituals that have been passed down through generations, and they all add to the rich tapestry of Naga culture. One of the most remarkable celebrations of this cultural diversity is the Hornbill Festival. This festival is like a grand showcase, where different tribes come together to display their unique traditions, dances, music, and crafts.
Preserving Our Culture: Here are some simple ways that can help us in preserving our culture:
• Learn from Elders: Spending time with our grandparents and elders. They have a wealth of knowledge about our cultures, stories, and traditions that we can learn from.
• Celebrate Festivals: Participating in cultural festivals and events in our community is a fun way to stay connected to our roots.
• Speak our Language: Speaking our native language in daily conversations can be helpful in keeping the language alive.
• Traditional Attire: Wearing traditional clothing on special occasions or whenever we can is a way to proudly display our cultural identity.
• Explore History: Reading books, watching documentaries, or visiting museums are enjoyable ways to learn more about our culture and history.
A Gentle Reminder: This article is like a little tap on the shoulder, reminding us young folks that we shouldn't forget our roots. In this fast-paced world, let us hold on to our languages, learn about our cultures, and protect our traditions. It is like keeping our ship anchored in the sea of change. Remember, it is not about choosing between modernity and our cultural heritage; it is about finding the balance that makes us stronger and more connected to our past, present, and the future.
The Degree of Thought Column is a weekly community column initiated by Tetso College in partnership with The Morung Express. The column explored contemporary social, cultural, political, and educational issues and challenges around us. However, the views expressed here do not reflect the opinion of the institution. Tetso College is a NAAC-accredited, UCG-recognized Commerce and Arts college. Currently, the Degree of Thought Column is managed by the department of Mass Communication, and the editorial team are Dr Jenny Lalmuanpuii, KC Gabriela and Rinsit Sareo. For feedback or comments, please email:dot@tetsocollege.org.
