DIMAPUR — State coordinator of North East Network (NEN), Wekowe-u Tsuhah, has urged the youth to value and respect the knowledge of their ancestors, learn about nature, biodiversity and take action to conserve it, speak one’s own language which is their identity and to grow and eat one’s own local food and respect every grain they eat.
Tsuhah stated this during ‘Mapumo Seta’ (Morung conversations) organised by Chizami Students’ Union (CSU), in collaboration with NEN, at Sacred Heart Higher Secondary School (SHHSS) in Chizami under Phek district on August 9 on the occasion of ‘International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.’ The event was held on the theme “Indigenous youth as agents of change for self-determination.”
Tsuhah has stressed on the need to uphold ancestral values of solidarity, responsibility, balance, honesty and reciprocity. She stated that indigenous people comprise of 6% of the world’s population and 8.6% of the Indian population.
CSU president, Khrolhiweu Tsuhah, informed that the ‘Mapumo Seta’ is an initiative to foster inter-generational conversations on traditional knowledge and value systems. She added that the event was organised for the students to learn and experience directly from the diverse speakers who are community knowledge holders and practitioners.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]It stated that Rev. Mese Rhakho spoke on ‘Identity, values and heritage (Menge, Kenyi and Metha), while Kelhizulo Mero spoke on ‘The indigenous water distribution systems (terrace field and village area),’ and Zulhipe Chirhah spoke on ‘Edimi Se.’
A talk on ‘Millets: our identity’ was delivered by Kezukhalo Lasuh, while the initiative to learn and preserve the local dialect ‘Let’s learn Khuzhale’ was taken up by Kezukha-u Mero.
An update from CSU stated that the event was organised to raise awareness on the protection of indigenous people’s rights and recognise their contributions and achievements.
It mentioned that Morung (Kechuke), an institute of learning and education, was an indispensable part of the Naga way of life prior to the arrival of the white people, which played a major role in educating the Naga society about its rich value systems, wisdom and knowledge that were passed on from one generation to another.
As the rich traditional knowledge and values are eroding rapidly and under threat, it was felt necessary to have an inter-generational dialogue between youth and elders because the youth represent continuity along the path already walked by the ancestors.
It stated that about 250 students from Class 8 and above from Sacred Heart Higher Secondary School (SHHSS), Eastern Mission High School (EMHS), Goyiepra Memorial Government High School (GMGHS) including teachers and well-wishers attended the second edition of ‘Mapumo Seta.’
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