Kohima, July 18 (MExN): A lecture entitled, ‘Locating Naga writings in English in the culture – space of Naga society,’ was delivered at Sazolie College, by Dr. K. B. Veio Pao, on July 18.
Dr Pao teaches English at Shaheed Bhagat Singh College, University of Delhi, and has recently published a book called, ‘Literary Cultures of India’s Northeast: Naga Writings in English.’
Addressing the faculty and students of the department of English, Dr Pao said that Nagas are living in very interesting and exciting times, and one very positive change that is taking place at present is the emergence of Naga writers. Naga writings draw a lot from oral tradition and they are told with a purpose, and so it is meant to teach and not only entertain, he stated.
Commenting on the inclusion of Naga writings in the Undergraduate English syllabus of Nagaland University, he said that young people studying within the state are fortunate because they are getting the opportunity to study about Naga culture through these writings. He quoted several writers whose works are being studied by the students and said that Naga writings are important because they are relevant and have context. He encouraged the students to value their culture and learn about it instead of blindly copying others and trying to be what they are not. He also asked them to go to the villages and elders and collect information about their culture and engage in research.
“People have been writing about us, it is high time we write about ourselves. We have stories to tell”, he said. Dr. Pao also dwelt on several issues like education, religion, modernization and colonialism in the context of the Nagas and opined that certain misconceptions on these areas have to be corrected in order to appreciate and value one’s culture more.
“Don’t let other people give you what you believe. Believe in what you have,” he commented. After the talk, various questions put forward by the faculty and students were answered and discussed at length.
