Officials with resource persons during cultural day of Baptist College Kohima on April 10.
Kohima, April 15 (MExN): Baptist College Kohima observed its 12th cultural day at Baptist High Auditorium with Dr Meneno Vamuzo Rhakho as the guest speaker on April 10 last.
In her address, Dr Rhakho highlighted the challenges posed by modernization and globalization to indigenous identities.
She stressed the importance of preserving culture through intergenerational knowledge transfer, language, and ethical values.
She emphasized three key aspects of reimagining culture identity, language, oral traditions and ethical values.
She urged the younger generation to move beyond symbolic expressions of culture toward meaningful engagement.
The formal session was chaired by Asilie Rurhia, with an invocation by Tamereimung Chusi.
The Principal, Dr. Kekuchol Pusa, delivered welcome address while the Convener, Dr. Tsenbeni, noted that this year’s celebration shifted from traditional performances to academic discussions on culture.
The programme also witnessed Konyak folk dance and musical performance by student band Seventy Times Seven.
The event featured parallel sessions on ten themes, including Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Naga Textiles, Folklores, Customary Laws, Ethical Values, Arts and Crafts, Publishing, Folk Fusion, Contemporary Painting and Food Habits.
Resource persons included Dr. Kewepfuzu Lohe, Tabitha K Assumi, Dr. Sophy Lasuh Kesiezie, Dr. R. Chumbeno Ngullie, Dr. Villo Naleo, V. Ashu Theyo, Vishu Rita Krocha, Seyievinuo Chuzho, Vikhor Tepa and Rovi Chasie.
Key discussions highlighted the ecological wisdom of indigenous practices, symbolic meanings in Naga textiles, the evolving relevance of folklore, ethical frameworks rooted in community and spirituality, and the complexities of customary laws.
The sessions also emphasized documenting oral traditions, innovating within folk music, preserving artistic heritage and promoting sustainable Naga food practices.
The programme underscored the importance of preserving and reinterpreting cultural heritage in contemporary contexts, encouraging students to actively engage with and sustain their cultural identity.
