TN Mannen released ‘Advent of Christianity in Nagaland’ at Chümoukedima, highlighting faith and social change.
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DIMAPUR — Advisor for Law & Justice and Land Revenue, TN Mannen, on Saturday released a book titled “Advent of Christianity in Nagaland,” authored by Prof. Dr. Priyaranjan Trivedi and Prof. Dr. Zavise Rume.
The book, published by The World University Press, New Delhi, in association with International University Nagaland (IUN), was unveiled at the university’s conference hall in Chümoukedima.
The book “Advent of Christianity in Nagaland” marks the beginning of an ambitious 21-volume series exploring the role of Christianity in Nagaland.
A monumental intellectual effort, the series goes beyond religious history to document the transformation of Naga society across theology, culture, music, architecture, and politics effectively creating an encyclopaedic account of faith and culture in the state.
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Speaking on the occasion as chief guest, Mannen highlighted the historical entry of Christianity into the Naga Hills, recalling that American Baptist Missionary Union established its first mission station with the arrival of Rev. Dr. Edward Winter Clark in 1872 at Molungkimong in present Mokokchung district.
Mannen said the book provides a comprehensive account of the transformation of Naga society with the advent of Christianity, including the introduction of Roman script, expansion of education, healthcare, and new skills, which reshaped traditional life.
He further observed that the book critically examines how early missionaries and colonial administrators often misunderstood the structured socio-cultural and governance systems of the Nagas, terming them “primitive” despite their disciplined community life.
Highlighting the broader impact, Mannen pointed to contributions such as women’s empowerment, literacy growth, emergence of indigenous church leadership, and the role of the Church in peace initiatives.
He also emphasised the need for a shift from conversion-centric approaches to welfare-oriented missions and encouraged inter-faith understanding.
Founder Chancellor of International University Nagaland, Dr. Priyaranjan Trivedi, described the release of “Advent of Christianity in Nagaland” as a moment of personal and academic fulfilment.
He said the book, co-authored with Dr. Zavise Rume, is an effort not just to document history but to provide direction for the future.
He noted that the advent of Christianity in Nagaland was more than a religious development, calling it a socio-cultural transformation that introduced modern education, printing, and global connectivity.
He added that the work reflects both academic insight and local perspectives, and aims to highlight the importance of preserving historical roots while progressing forward.
At the event, short speeches were also delivered by Chancellor of IUN Dr. SN Pandey, Pro-Chancellor Dr. Utkarsh Sharma, Dr. Fr. Panu Paul, and Fr. Siby John.