.jpg)
Dimapur, November 23 (MExN): The Department of English, Tetso College launched the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) sponsored three-day online National Seminar on Fourth World Literature: Voices of the Marginalised with Special Reference to Northeast India on November 22. It will culminate on November 24.
A press release issued by the host college stated that the inaugural session was chaired by Kechegi Khing, Assistant Professor (English, Tetso College). Manngai H Phom, Assistant Professor (English, Tetso College) presented an original song titled “Hebak Mei” - Good Time (Contemporary Phom Naga Song). The inaugural address was delivered by Dr Hewasa L Khing, Principal, Tetso College followed by a Sumi Naga Folk Dance by the college cultural troupe.
The keynote speaker, Dr Easterine Kire opened her speech with a broader perspective by stating that she felt discontent by the usage of the term ‘marginalised’, which was a key word of the Online National Seminar. From a post-colonial perspective, she was of the view that, Nagas or Northeast in general, cannot succumb to the manner of political gaze stated by the Indian discourse on Marginalised.
She reprimanded the crowd on the usage of the term justifying through historical and political references, that it was a term given by an Indian political scenario with superlative connotation for the Indian mainland, while addressing the Northeastern region as the marginalized in culture, socio-political or even a subaltern in historical space.
Her concluding remarks was to “recenter the center”, to take charge of who we are by not accepting the definition given by others to the Northeast people in general.
Dr Rosy Tep, Convenor, HoD (English, Tetso College) concluded the session by briefing the paper presenters and the participants, about the general rules to be followed for the online national seminar.
