Bano Haralu with others during the inaugural session of the national seminar organised by the Department of English, Tetso College at Lorin Hall on October 16.
Chümoukedima, October 16 (MExN): The inaugural session of the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) sponsored three-day national seminar (blended) on ‘Thinking Dynamic Shifts: Religion and Gender in Representations of Northeast India,’ organised by the Department of English, Tetso College was held at Lorin Hall on October 16.
In the keynote address, Bano Megolhusau Haralu, journalist and Senior Conservation Consultant highlighted how the media often portrays Northeast India through the lens of insurgency and conflict, overshadowing its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. She emphasised that the region’s true essence is best represented through its women, cultural vibrancy, and community spirit.
Addressing the issue of how women suffer inequality under the tag of customary laws, and how to date are caught in the web of traditions and customs, she called for these laws to be grounded in equality and human rights, quoting Kamla Bhasin, “To achieve gender equality, we must all, men and women, confront and overcome our own negative traits.”
She encouraged the audience to engage in meaningful dialogue during the seminar, urging a deeper understanding of Nagaland’s values and a broader appreciation of its unique community and environment.
In her welcome note, Dr Hewasa L Khing, Principal of Tetso College emphasised the seminar as a platform for academic growth, encouraging participants to be dreamers, thinkers, and doers, and to extend their deliberations beyond the classroom, as part of an ongoing academic building exercise.
The programme witnessed the special launch of the first eBook of its kind under Tetso College’s publication, Koralong in Longsa and Other Stories: Graphic Naga Folktales. Chubamenla Longkumer, Assistant Professor, Department of English, Tetso College, editor for the eBook, in her address, remarked, ‘What began as an assignment for the Interdisciplinary Course on Naga Folklore quickly evolved into an eBook, thanks to the students’ effort and creativity in illustrating these stories.’
The eBook contains fourteen stories, each reflecting universal themes while being deeply rooted in the customs and traditions of the Naga tribes. The eBook is available on the college website.
Dr Puchong Thai, the Seminar Convenor, concluded the inaugural programme with an overview of the seminar’s objectives, structure, and schedule. The seminar will conclude on October 18.
