Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of IDAN, Abu Metha on Tuesday emphasized the need to adapt the ways of the progressive and modern world while preserving the indigenous traditions and urged communities to strike a balance between adaptation and preservation.
Metha was addressing “Leading Together Dialogues 2023”, an international conference on indigenous knowledge and sustainability, hosted by Tetso College, Chümoukedima. The event, led by the University of Melbourne in collaboration with Tata Institute of Social Science Guwahati, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Stella Maris College, and Tetso College, aimed to facilitate meaningful discourse on critical issues related to indigenous communities and sustainability, DIPR informed.
Metha also highlighted the global recognition of indigenous knowledge and traditional practices, emphasizing that science is now studying various aspects of the way tribal communities carry out agricultural cultivation and respond to natural calamities. He stressed the importance of sharing this knowledge with the world through research and analysis.
Further, Abu Metha expressed confidence in the energy, ambition, and capability of Naga youths, urging them to strive for excellence through unity and hard work, DIPR said. He emphasized the significance of working collectively to bring about real peace and address societal challenges. Abu Metha encouraged students of Tetso College to work hard, demonstrating commitment and discipline, and envisioned their future contributions to addressing tribalism and corruption challenges on a global scale.
Happy to launch the Leading Together Dialogues 2023 at @TetsoCollege along with leading educational institutes and universities of Australia, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu. Assam and Nagaland.
Extended a warm welcome to our guests to the Land of Festivals on behalf of our Honble… pic.twitter.com/ydtlcHYl2g
— abu metha (@abumetha) November 28, 2023
Prof. Kate McNeil, Associate Dean of Education and Students, University of Melbourne, highlighted the potential in each student, emphasizing the importance of inspiring creativity and cultural exploration. She commended the role of education in acknowledging the short and long-term benefits of indigenous knowledge.
McNeil encouraged Nagaland to have an outward perspective, not only within India but globally, fostering collaborations, sharing knowledge, and building partnerships. She emphasized the impact of even a small amount of economic activity among the indigenous community and the opportunities it could create.
The key features of the conference were facilitation of discourse on indigenous knowledge and sustainability, exploration of issues and key concerns of indigenous communities, inculcation of appreciation for indigenous and tribal art, textiles, and crafts, development of leadership and problem-solving skills to create young leaders, and celebration of indigenous and tribal heritage and culture.
During the inaugural program, the special guests and dignitaries watered the tree of dignity. The other highlights included signing of the Consortium Document between the five collaborating institutes, the declaration of Tetso College Vision 2030 by Principal Dr. Hewasa L. Khing, cultural performance by Tetso College students, and conference proceeding briefing by Anjan K Behera, Convenor.
