Naga Students’ Federation opposes SPIC MACAY workshops; demands immediate halt
The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has condemned and expressed opposition to the ongoing workshops organised under the aegis of Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth (SPIC MACAY)
- DIMAPUR — The
Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has condemned and expressed opposition to the
ongoing workshops organised under the aegis of Society for the Promotion of
Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth (SPIC MACAY) in various
educational institutions across Kohima and Dimapur.
- In a press statement issued on Wednesday, the federation
asserted that such programmes, “which seek to impose alien cultural and
religious practices”, have no place in the Naga homeland.
- “It is unacceptable that under the guise of ‘enriching
formal education,’ external forces are subtly attempting to dilute our
indigenous identity and impose a cultural assimilation agenda. The Naga people
have a rich and distinct cultural heritage, and we will not tolerate any
attempt to infringe upon our way of life, traditions, and beliefs. Any effort
to introduce religious or cultural elements that do not align with our
indigenous ethos is an outright violation of our rights as a people.
- “Furthermore, the NSF strongly asserts that such workshops
are a waste of valuable academic time, depriving students of meaningful
education and their right to a curriculum that prioritises their intellectual and
personal growth. With the already limited academic calendar and various
challenges faced by students, it is irresponsible to force programmes that
neither contribute to their academic advancement nor uphold the indigenous
ethos of the Naga people,” the statement read.
- Also, the NSF took exception to the guidelines imposed for
these workshops, “which dictate specific ceremonial practices, mandatory
seating arrangements, and symbolic gestures that are contrary to our customs
and beliefs.”
- “The enforced removal of footwear before entering the hall,
the requirement for a ministry logo, and the regulated felicitation of artists
reflect an imposition of foreign cultural norms upon our educational
institutions. Such directives undermine the fundamental principles of cultural
respect.
- “The NSF urges all school administrations, students, and
parents to remain vigilant against such imposed cultural and religious programs
that do not align with our Naga heritage. We further demand that all SPIC MACAY
workshops in Naga institutions be immediately halted and that no such
programmes be conducted in the future without prior consultation with relevant
Naga stakeholders,” it stated.
