Dr Inakali Assumi with the students and others during the lecture organised by Department of English at Norman Putsure College on March 15.
Chümoukedima, March 15 (MExN): The Department of English at Norman Putsure College, Chümoukedima, organised its inaugural Lecture Series 01 on the topic “Echoes of the Past: The Role and Revival of Folk Literature in Modern Society.”
Dr Inakali Assumi, author, researcher, and educator, was the resource speaker for the event held on March 15, the college press release stated here.
Dr Assumi’s lecture opened with the narration of two Sumi folk tales, each carrying a profound moral lesson about the cycle of life—originating from nature and ultimately returning to it. She highlighted that folk narratives are not merely for entertainment but serve as a vessel for ancestral wisdom. Additionally, she emphasised the importance of indigenous knowledge and the need to reconnect with nature. “Naga folk songs are distinctive, imbued with a rhythmic, chant-like essence, as they draw deep inspiration from nature. These songs and tales were not just artistic expressions but also means of imparting moral values and life lessons. Through them, history and traditions were preserved and passed down.”
It was highlighted that colonial intervention disrupted and distorted cultural identity to such an extent that documentation became an urgent necessity. “The need to cherish and embrace one’s heritage is crucial, yet the challenge remains—the last living custodians of these traditions are vanishing before proper documentation can be completed.”
Dr Assumi urged a conscious effort to “rethink our choices” in order to revive folk literature. She stressed that reclaiming one’s cultural identity requires a deep appreciation of one's roots. Firsthand cultural knowledge is invaluable in this process, she added.
During the lecture, she also read an excerpt from her book ‘Voices from The Forgotten Village,’ reinforcing the idea that “we are the custodians of our culture, traditions, and narratives, and it is our responsibility to preserve them for future generations.”
Earlier, rhe session was chaired by Bwenlo Mesung, BA 6th Semester followed by Tsukian Lamheing with a folktale narration. Dr Kevibeinuo Nguzhülie, HoD, Department of English delivered a brief introduction to the Lecture Series and the resource speaker. The note of gratitude was delivered by Dorothy Z Khalo, Asst Professor, Department of English.
