CTIKS launched at St. Joseph's College Jakhama

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• Guests and attendees during the launch of the Centre for Tradition and Indian Knowledge System at St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Jakhama, on Wednesday.

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• DIMAPUR — The Centre for Tradition and Indian Knowledge System (CTIKS) inauguration programme was held on Wednesday in the conference hall of the postgraduate block, St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Jakhama.
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• According to an update, Dr. Medongoi Rhakho, retired Director of Higher Education and currently serving as the Deputy Director (Academics and Research), Higher Education, Government of Nagaland, was the guest of honour for the event.
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• Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Rhakho, who also formally declared the launch of the CTIKS, reflected on the interpretation of the Indian Knowledge System as outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
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• He emphasised that the policy does not restrict the learning of Hinduism or a singular Indian-centric perspective but instead encourages the inclusion of diverse indigenous knowledge systems. He advocated for the recognition and integration of what he called the "Naga knowledge system," which allows tribal communities to embrace and preserve their traditional wisdom.
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• Dr. Rhakho illustrated this through a personal anecdote regarding an irrigation project in a hilly area. He recounted how traditional knowledge passed down from his father advised against digging deep into the soil to avoid water loss due to the presence of stones.
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• He discussed how the NEP aims to move away from a rigid, secular model of education towards one that values indigenous and cultural knowledge. He emphasised the importance of documenting and preserving traditional practices and integrating them with modern education.

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• Citing examples, he mentioned the traditional pottery craftsmanship of Phek district and the making of gunpowder in the Konyak regions, suggesting these as potential subjects for students' skill enhancement courses. Dr. Rhakho also underlined three core values that traditionally guided Naga society: "danger (fear)", "taboo", and "shame", and noted how these principles were closely aligned with teachings such as those found in the Bible, Matthew 7:12.
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• He advocated for the inclusion of mandatory internships, where students would be encouraged to visit villages and immerse themselves in their native culture and traditions. Drawing a parallel with educational initiatives in China, he emphasised the need for similar models in Nagaland to bridge traditional knowledge and contemporary education.