NSF President Medovi Rhi during literary day of Modern College on February 11.
Our Correspondent
Kohima | February 11
Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) President Medovi Rhi graced the literary day of Modern College, Piphema on February 11.
Gracing the occasion as the special guest, Rhi described Literary Day as a celebration of knowledge, creativity, and intellectual growth. “Today, as we gather under the theme “Echoes of the Past, Voices of the Present,” we are reminded of the profound connection between history and the present, between tradition and progress,” he said.
Rhi said that literature is more than just words on paper; it is the heartbeat of a civilization, adding that literature carries the essence of “our identity, our history, and shape the generations to come.”
He maintained that for the Nagas, literature has always been deeply intertwined with our way of life. “Our ancestors may not have left behind libraries filled with books, but they gifted us a wealth of knowledge through oral traditions, folklore, chants, and proverbs. These stories were not mere tales; they were lessons in courage, honesty, and community living. They guided our relationships, our governance, and our harmonious relationship with nature,” he said. Yet today, Rhi said, as we embrace modern education and global advancements, we face an urgent challenge.
“Our indigenous knowledge, our very foundation is at risk of fading away,” he said adding that the convenience of technology and the influence of globalization threaten to overshadow the wisdom embedded in our traditions.
The solution, however, is not to reject modernization but to find a balance. Education must not only equip us with scientific knowledge and global perspectives but also keep us rooted in our heritage, he said.
Celebrate literature as a tool for preservation, education, empowerment
The NSF president said that institutions such as Modern College serve as guardians of cultural preservation, bearing the responsibility of integrating indigenous literature, history, and environmental wisdom into academic frameworks.
“By embedding these invaluable traditions within formal education, we safeguard their relevance amidst the ever-evolving modern landscape. It is imperative to foster scholarly inquiry into indigenous practices, systematically document our rich oral histories, and harness technological advancements to ensure the enduring preservation of our cultural heritage,” he said.
Stating that such responsibility does not lie with institutions alone, he said “As students and young leaders, we must take it upon ourselves to be more than just consumers of knowledge. We must also be its protectors and contributors. We must write our own stories, explore our indigenous sciences, and advocate for the coexistence of tradition and modernity.” He challenged the students to celebrate literature not just as a source of information but as a tool for preservation, education, and empowerment.
“By safeguarding our past while embracing the future, we ensure that our identity remains strong and our voices continue to be heard,” he said. Let knowledge make us humble, not proud, for wisdom lies in understanding that learning is a lifelong journey. Let us use literature to enlighten, culture to unite, and wisdom to guide our journey forward, Rhi said.
“May this occasion inspire us to be both the keepers of tradition and the pioneers of new ideas,” he added.
Meanwhile, cultural day will take place on February 12 at 10:00 AM.
