Students, teachers, researchers and administrators of HEIs attended the seminar.
Dimapur, August 12 (MExN): Dimapur Government College, in collaboration with its Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) and Research Development Cell (RDC), organised a State Level Seminar on “Cogitations on Pedagogy and Culture in the Naga Context” on August 12. The event was sponsored by Department of Higher Education, Government of Nagaland, as part of its initiative to support Minor Research Projects across disciplines, stated a press release.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Maongkala Longchar emphasised that education must go beyond the mere transmission of knowledge, serving instead as a reflection of cultural values, worldviews, and lived experiences. She stressed that in the Naga context, pedagogy should engage with diverse cultural heritage, oral traditions, and evolving socio-political realities.
Longchar called for teaching methods rooted in indigenous perspectives that foster critical thinking, inclusivity, and holistic development while staying connected to grassroots realities. Citing examples of HEIs in Nagaland and their initiatives, she highlighted how pedagogy could be tailored to suit our cultural contexts within the parameters set by a central authority.
The technical sessions featured the presentation of faculty research projects funded under the Department’s Minor Research Projects scheme.
Technical Session I featured four insightful presentations: Dr Lanurenla explored Ao-Naga cultural texts through semiotic analysis. Dr. Yelhi Vero examined positive portrayals of women in Chakhesang folktales. Dr. Richard Dzüvichü compared traditional peer groups among Angamis and Aos. Ruthsan Y documented material culture in the Yimkhiung Naga tribe.
Technical Session II, brought together another set of diverse research findings. H Jekugha Sema presented A Contrastive Analysis of Sümi and English Consonants. Dr Prajadip Sinha discussed on multilingual electronic dictionary for Naga dialects and its societal impact. Dr Pallab Changkakoti analysed Tobacco Use among school students of Kohima. Dr Hare Krushna Parhi examined teaching aptitude and attitude toward teaching profession among B.Ed. student teachers in Nagaland.
It may be mentioned that presenters comprised of college teachers, administrators of HEIs (Higher Education Institutions) and researchers, and the audience included students and teachers.
The valedictory session, included the rapporteurs’ reports, closing remarks by Dr. Vinyühu Lhoungu, and the distribution of certificates. Dr Wabangnaro Imchen delivered the vote of thanks.
