Prof V Hibo, Principal, Japfü Christian College showcasing indigenous cuisines
Lumami, March 17 (MExN): Nagaland University, Lumami is organising a two-day training programme on indigenous cuisines of Nagaland. Spearheaded by the Committee for Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (ITK) of Nagaland, NU, the inaugural ceremony was held on March 17 with Prof JK Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor, NU as the chief guest.
In the welcome address, Prof Athungo Ovung, Department of Sociology stressed the importance of traditional knowledge stating that documentation of indigenous knowledge systems is necessary to ensure the continuous flow of knowledge across generations. He expressed hope that the culinary experts comprising Prof Visakhonu Hibo, Principal, Japfü Christian College and her colleagues would help the trainees explore new set of skills and knowledge.
Prof Ovung also gave an overview of ‘Integration of ITK in Nagaland University’ by reflecting on the core objectives and principles related to the initiative.
Prof Visakhonu Hibo gave a lecture on Naga cuisines, which was interspersed with video clippings for immersive experience of the participants. Prof Hibo highlighted her experience of integrating traditional knowledge on cuisine as skill-enhancement course at Japfü Christian College. “Students have responded well to the course and the outcome is very positive especially in the context of re-inventing Naga traditional taste,” she added.
She highlighted the importance of self-subsistence and sustainable way of life by going back to nature. She said nature had the potential to meet our food needs, given the availability of a variety of plants and herbs with medicinal properties in our immediate physical surrounding. Prof Hibo emphasised the importance of scientific investigation of these plants and also appealed for community participation in preserving these resources.
Prof JK Patnaik, in his address highlighted the importance of Indigenous Traditional Knowledge and their preservation in the present context. He said the ITK will be brought under the Indigenous Knowledge System (IKS) Centre which is in the pipeline. Prof Patnaik opined that Nagaland University is at the threshold of making a big achievement because until now the state of Nagaland has not been at the forefront of IKS. He hoped that the proposed Centre will also eventually develop into a full-fledged department based on indigenous resources, encompassing cuisines, languages, traditional medicines, etc.
The programme was attended by Deans, HoDs, faculty, officers, research scholars and students.
Dr Purchila Jamir, Dept of Sociology, and Tovikali Yepthomi Sumi, Dept of History & Archaeology both from Japfü Christian College are the other two culinary experts.
The formal ceremony was followed by a traditional food tasting at the newly constructed Naga Kitchen which located at Rajiv Gandhi Park, NU, Lumami.
It may be mentioned that 19 participants comprising of research scholars, PG students and staff members from Nagaland University are attending the training which will culminate on March 18.
