A section of the participants at the seminar on “Oral Discourse on Makhraihrii” at Tadubi from December 27 to 28. (Photo Courtesy: MNSA)
Morung Express News
Tadubi (Senapati) | December 30
With the aim of bringing together knowledge and stories of the people rather than concentrating on the disputes or differences, the Mao Naga Scholars Association (MNSA) organised a two-day seminar on “Oral Discourse on Makhraihrii” at Tadubi from December 27 to 28. Many Naga tribe ascribed their origin to Makhel (a Mao village in Senapati district). The people that originated from Makhel are called Makhraihrii.
In the theme exploration, Fr Linus Neli stated that “rather than focusing on the nomenclature conflict, it is time we focus on the complementary narrative in oral tradition”.
He emphasised on the need to listen and respect the different versions of stories which often are similar in essence and differs only in expression.
Fr Neli also stated on the need to value and respect the traditions and value systems of our forefathers. “Being a good Christian does not necessitate us to throw away or invalidate the traditional knowledge and value system”, he added.
Oral traditions by nature are bound to differ in expression and description but what is important is the essence and the seminar sought to explore the common grounds.
The seminar brought together several elders from different villages who shared their own versions of the ‘Makhraihrii Story’. The seminar focused on migration and origin of the Naga tribe, the grand dispersal and genealogy.
