56th annual Ura Academy seminar focuses on language, identity, unity

Our Correspondent
Kohima | May 29

The three-day long 56th Annual Seminar of Ura Academy culminated at Ura Academy Hall, Kohima on May 29. 

Addressing the valedictory programme, Daso Paphino, Vice President, Ura Academy, spoke on the uniqueness of Naga history, culture and traditions, which he said had been recognised even during the colonial period through the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act of 1873, now continued as the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system.

Paphino credited the pioneers of the Angami Literature Committee (Diemvü Houdo), formed in 1939, for translating the Bible and hymnals which remained in use for several decades before the committee was rechristened as Ura Academy in 1970.

He noted that since then, Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu has continued to lead the organisation as its president. Highlighting the progress of Tenyidie in academics, Paphino informed that the language was introduced as a department in Nagaland University in 1997.

Nine scholars have completed PhD studies in Tenyidie while 16 more are currently pursuing research, adding that around 350 students have completed Master of Arts in Tenyidie, he informed. 

He also stated that efforts are continuing for inclusion of Tenyidie in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. To strengthen the movement for official recognition, Paphino emphasised the need to include Tenyidie along with its sub-dialects in the forthcoming Census of India.

He called for united efforts from all Tenyimi communities in this regard. Further, he urged the people to collectively preserve and promote Tenyidie, which he said has been spoken by the people since before the arrival of colonialism.

Strengthening Naga unity
Kekhwengulo Lea, President, Tenyimi Union Nagaland (TUN), stressed the importance of unity among Tenyimi communities and highlighted the role of language in fostering oneness.

He said the formation of TUN was necessary to look into the affairs of Tenyimi communities within Nagaland, while the Tenyimi People’s Organisation (TPO) would continue to serve communities living beyond state boundaries.

Lea called upon the Tenyimi people to take the lead in strengthening Naga unity and urged the present generation to carry forward the legacy of earlier pioneers.

He also highlighted the importance of forgiveness, collective responsibility and preservation of language, stating that language remains one of the strongest unifying forces beyond political, religious or economic influences.

Lea informed that TUN is collaborating with Ura Academy to promote Tenyidie and appealed to tribal bodies to include mother tongues along with Tenyidie during the forthcoming nationwide census exercise.

He further stressed the need for establishing more Tenyidie Learning Centres in different areas to revive the language, which he said once served as a common medium of communication among the people.

During the programme, a new team of Ura Academy Rüpfhünuo for the 2026–2029 tenure was installed with Nuveta Khusoh as president, Dzuvisato Savino as vice-president and Khriephrenuo Kuotsu Solo among others.

Earlier in the day, the Tenyidie Kephrunuoko Krotho (TKK) conclave was held with Dr. Keduolhoulie Belho, Associate Professor, Department of Tenyidie, Kohima College Kohima, as speaker. The programme was led by Dzuzienuo Yhome, President, TKK. Several academic awards were also presented during the conclave.