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DIMAPUR — The department of Philosophy, Patkai Christian College (Autonomous), hosted a one-day seminar on Wednesday on the topic ‘indigenous youth as agents of change for self-determination’ to commemorate ‘International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples’ in the college’s conference hall.
Three fifth-semester philosophy students presented papers during the event, with Azakali, the first presenter, speaking about the origins of the indigenous people and the day.
She stated that the origin of the International Day of the World's Indigenous People can be traced back to the efforts of the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations (INGIP), which was established in 1982. On December 23, 1994, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the day, with the first celebration held on August 9, 1995.
She noted that indigenous people are the first inhabitants of a particular area, the original inhabitants who lived communally on the land before others arrived to inhabit, conquer, or colonise it and added that there are 370 million indigenous people in the world, which represents only 5% of the world's population.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]Chonben, the second presenter, spoke about the effects of globalisation on indigenous people.
He mentioned that globalisation has affected indigenous people in a variety of ways, including the encroachment on resource-rich lands, the threat to traditional sovereignty, the exposure to industrial extraction of natural resources, and the facilitation of patenting of genetic resources.
He added that it also brings about changes in languages, clothing, eating habits, communication, the introduction of new products, religious beliefs, values, and traditions, and emphasised the concern that globalisation is altering the traditions and cultures of Naga societies, resulting in great changes to their economic, sociocultural, political, religious-ethical, moral, and belief systems.
He highlighted the positive effects of globalisation on indigenous people, including cultural exchange and diversity, technological advancements, and economic opportunities, as well as the negative effects, including cultural erosion, land displacement, marginalisation, and exploitation.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]He also elaborated on response strategies such as cultural education and revitalisation, protecting land rights, and fair trade practices.
Shongmao, the third presenter, discussed a philosophical inquiry into indigenous people and human rights.
She defined human rights as rights inherent in all human beings, regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status.
She highlighted the difficulties indigenous people face, such as exploitation of the land's labour, exploitation of natural resources, extreme poverty, loss of lands and habitats, and changes in the law, among others.
The programme was moderated by assistant professor Dr. Wojanbeni S Yanthan while HoD Bendangnungsang delivered the welcome address. Shanchothung, a third-semester student, presented a special number while Mhao Tungoe, assistant professor, led the invocation.