Baptist college Kohima campus and Sechü Zubza campus celebrated their 11th cultural day under the theme ‘Engaging with Indigeneity’ on April 23 at Ura Academy Hall, Kohima.
Visier Sanyü, Author and Inaugural head of History department, Nagaland University, Member Naga Forum for Reconciliation and Advisor Naga Global Forum, graced the occasion as the theme speaker. Delving on the theme ‘Engaging with Indigeneity’, Sanyü highlighted that there are two meaning when it comes to indigeneity: literal and political meaning.
Stating that an individual is the native inhabitant of their own territory, Sanyü said, “Every individual is indigenous in one place and non-indigenous in another, though they may not be classified as indigenous politically. Nagas embody both aspects because they are native to their land and lack political autonomy.”
In this regard, the speaker emphasised on the need to write one’s own story because “our story has been written by others for a long time”. The cultural practices are one way of keeping our stories alive, asserted Sanyü.
Dr. Kewepfuzu Lohe, Interim Principal, Baptist College in his address highlighted the importance and significance of celebrating cultural day in colleges. “Celebrating cultural day is not only to preserve our culture but to change our lifestyle. Without changing one’s lifestyle it is useless to celebrate such an occasion,” remarked Dr. Lohe.
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Dr. Tsenbeni, Convenor, Culture Study Centre gave the introduction. Tamreimung Chüsi, Chaplain, Baptist College Fellowship blessed the program with invocation.
The program was followed by a film screening by TakeOne Production. Asilie Rürhia, Member, Culture Study Centre delivered the concluding remarks of the opening ceremony.
A Folk song competition was also held in the second session where the Yimkhiung tribe won the first place followed by the Sümi group securing the second position and the Khiamniungan in the third position.
The event concluded with indigenous music and indigenous games displayed by Vipiahu Chücha and team, Khonoma village.
