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Dr. P Ngully[/caption]
Kohima, August 6 (EMN): A local group called the Global Shapers Kohima Hub organised an event dubbed ‘Story Nights: Reviving our age-old oral tradition,’ with social activist and psychiatrist Dr. P Ngully, on Saturday evening at Mohankhola in Kohima town.
Dr. P Ngully spoke about the importance of identity and how ‘oral tradition’ has been playing an important role in the history of the Naga people. ‘History defines who we are. When we are aware of who we are, and by telling our stories, it strengthens our identity,’ he said.
Referring to the history of Nagaland, he said ‘we don’t have any written script but it has been passed through oral tradition over the decades.’
Citing the example of the Jewish people who were dispersed to various parts of the world but never lost their identity, he emphasized on the role oral history plays through generations. ‘When you don’t know yourself and own identity, it gives a strange perception; and uncertainty, and fear.’
Urging the gathering to stop the ‘blame game,’ he said ‘we the people, we all have a role to play together; if we can move forward, maybe we can face the future without any fear.’
Conflict cultures and trauma
Dr. Ngully, probably the wellknown psychiatrist in the state, suggested that a lot of people may be suffering from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. They may have grown up in fear during the political conflict, he said. But, he revealed, a study has shown that it can pass on to generations. ‘We continue to suffer from things which we didn’t see; invisible wounds,’ he said.
