The 5 Lessons I learnt in the University of Melbourne, Australia
Dr B Henshet Phom
I got an opportunity to be in the University of Melbourne, Australia to attend a workshop from September 2 to 11, 2023. And here, I am trying to share 5 points out of many lessons I learnt during this trip.
1. Welcome to the country! Australia is a highly developed country. It is full of sky-scrapers. In the midst of that, I found that they are giving more importance to their culture, custom and traditions. On the first day of our arrival, in a compound to the entrance of the university's main campus- Parkville, a Smoking ceremony was arranged to welcome us by the chief custodian of the land. The chief delivered a ceremonial welcoming speech and he lit up the olive leaves, and we were asked to come forward to the smoke to purify ourselves. One lesson I learnt from that ceremony was that, instead of using modern method like ribbon cutting, cracker blasting etc, Nagas can also apply our own traditional methods when we give inauguration to important events.
2. They respect each nationality in Australia. The flags of the Aboriginal and Torres Islander of the Australian Nation and of the University of Melbourne are seen flying side by side colourfully. This shows the strong symbols of solidarity and dignity among the nationalities in Australia. This also gives us the hope that it is possible to have a peaceful co-existence between India and Nagas by flying their respective national flags side by side vibrantly with respect and dignity.
3. The University of Melbourne was established in 1853, making it the second oldest university in Australia. It was founded by the Victoria Parliament as a result of the significant growth and cultural ambitions of Melbourne during the Victorian gold rush. The first class began in 1855 with just three professors and 16 students. Today, it has 13 faculties and schools that cover areas such as arts, science, engineering, medicine, and business. The University of Melbourne consistently ranks highly both nationally and globally. Students from different countries study in this university. It has its own bank and it is learnt that the university of Melbourne is one important sector contributing to the economy of the government of Australia. Universities contribute over $2 billion each year to Australia's regional economies and sustain over 14000 regional jobs. University does not only contribute knowledge but also money to the growth of their country. Nagas need rethinking in this line!
4. When we say museum, the first thing that comes into our minds are artifacts. We keep artifacts of historical importance in museum. But this time, I learnt a new narratives of looking at the museum in the University of Melbourne. Apart from the physical artifacts, they also maintain digital museum, where various artifacts are kept digitally and the information are displayed in the screen. Art-pieces are also hung with their descriptions in the bottom. This gives us a lesson that, through whichever mode or medium, be it materially, digitally, through painting etc our heritage must be preserved and promoted.
5. School of Designing. It was the school of architecture. There were many young students from China, Japan, South Korea, Philippine. Malaysia and other Asian countries. It was an opportunity for us to sit, and to watch and listen to their assignment/project presentation. They presented their blue print of hospitals, schools, village, township, bridge, buildings etc. But one thing struck my mind was that, when they told us that, all these pictures (architecture) are based on certain stories and poetics, for instance, students designed their picture based on one folktale, past memories, hope of young people, the misery of an old man, the joy of children, the despair of an orphan etc. I then realized that architecture is not only a science, but it is also an art!
