Dimapur, June 10 (MExN): After long years of contemplation, an academic book especially designed for Naga/tribal researchers involved in communication and cultural study titled ‘Communication and Naga Culture’ was released today. ‘Communication and Naga Culture,’ the 6th book published by Tribal Development and Communication Centre (TDCC) was edited by L Imsutoshi Jamir and C Alitemjen Longkumer.
Communication as a discipline, particularly looking from theological and cultural perspective is a new area of concern in the academic circle and more particularly in the Naga context, said L Imsutoshi Jamir. And with available books being written from western and mainland perspectives is but not relevant from the Naga context, added Jamir while deliberating on the motivating factor leading to the publication of the book.
In recent times, culture is seen as an entity, which emphasizes the enormous influence of the concept of culture on every aspect of study said Jamir and further added that the term culture has now become a part of ‘Standard English and the catchword’ in any postmodern academic discussions. “We still use the conventional, western or colonial method of studying culture. Our look at the culture is always from anthropological and colonial studies,” said L Imsutoshi Jamir. “But today,” he further added, “the indigenous scholars all over the world seriously challenge such methods.”
Further explaining on the book, Jamir said that the book is particularly strong in situating the development taking place in Naga society and the research areas involved in cultural study in this post modern world. In ‘Communication and Naga Culture,’ Naga traditional histories, contextual histories, politics and cultural considerations are respectfully interwoven together said Jamir. Terming the book as ‘a unique book,’ he pointed out that the articles are entirely based on systematic researched work done entirely by Naga communication scholars on Naga contextual issues and concerns during the past one decade.
Supongmeren, MLA, who graced and released the book as the chief guest, addressing the gathering called the Naga culture, which has been passed down from forefathers’ time orally and which has its own moral value, ‘Unique.’ While pointing out that tradition and culture bind us together, the chief guest further asserted that the contribution by different writers to the book is ‘an indication of unity among the Nagas.’ Also speaking on the occasion was S Chuba Longkumer, BDO who said that one becomes a scholar not by wealth but by books. He also said ‘people are mortal but books are not, people cannot go everywhere but books can’ and further called on the scholars and writers to write more books which may uplift the Naga people.
The book ‘Communication and Naga Culture’ is expected to empower Naga scholars both in terms of knowing the context of their research and in using methods and approaches that are culturally sensitive and appropriate, instead of those which assume that research and research methods are culture free. ‘Communication and Naga Culture’ is also expected to not only inspire Naga scholars, not only to revitalize or re-interpret, but to re-read, re-correct and re-write Naga history and culture.
Earlier, the introduction of the dignitaries was done by Dr Mar Atsongchanger, Principal, Agape College, and the benediction was offered by Zulu, Pastor Chumukedima ABC.
The contributors
L. Imsutoshi Jamir, Lecturer, ETC Jorhat
A. Temjen Jamir, Lecturer, CTC Aolijen
Sentimeren Jamir, Associate Pastor, Mkg Town Baptist Church, Lecturer, CTC Aolijen
A. Asola Jamir, M.Phil in Christian Studies
Asenla Jamir, MA in Communication
Imlirenla Jamir, MA in Communication
C. Alitemjen Longkumer, Lecturer, Agape College
.jpg)
