Transformative September Dialogue on Naga Repatriation, Decolonisation, and Healing Concludes Triumphantly | MorungExpress
Naga Voices on Memories, Healing, and Decolonisation: September Dialogue Concludes
Dimapur | September 7, Morung Express News: The two-day September Dialogue on ‘Naga repatriation, decolonisation, and healing,’ organized by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation-Recover Restore and Decolonise (FNR-RRaD), concluded today at Light Church, Dimapur. This gathering aimed to reassess the colonial impact on the Naga people, engaging scholars, community and church leaders, elders, and youth.
The dialogue’s inception arose from the repatriation of Naga human remains from the Pitt Rivers Museum, sparking discussions on the need for decolonisation and societal healing.
The day’s first session, ‘Naga Voices on Memories, Healing and Decolonisation,’ featured speakers Dr. Henshet Phom, Dr. Manwang Konyak, Küvethilü Thülüo, and Thejalhoukho Casavi.
Dr. Henshet Phom, Vice Principal at Yingli Government College, highlighted the self-sustaining Naga village system pre-colonisation. He contended that without colonial disruption, Naga culture could have reached significant development. Dr. Phom acknowledged the dual impacts of British rule and American missionary education, stressing the need to reintegrate traditional practices.
Dr. Manwang Konyak discussed the societal changes in Konyak Nagas post-missionary contact, focusing on the transition from the Angh monarchical system to new governance models. He noted that current societal changes have diluted customs and traditions while impacting natural resources.
Küvethilü Thülüo presented insights from her essay, ‘Dividing hearth and heart, the Longwa experience,’ discussing the colonial impact on Longwa villagers between India and Myanmar. This highlighted the unfamiliarity of Naga people with Western border concepts.
Thejalhoukho Casavi challenged the notion of a pristine pre-colonial Naga life, emphasizing that, in the Naga context, colonial impacts were more about subjugation than cultural loss. He argued for a forward-looking approach to decolonisation.
The session also included ‘A Journey of Naga repatriation: RRaD’s lessons learned, challenges, and opportunities,’ by Dr. Asangba Tzudir, and a group brainstorming session on advancing the repatriation process, highlighting community engagement and representative facilitation in colleges.
In conclusion, the dialogue underscored the importance of transformative healing for the Naga society, rooted in an appreciation of their cultural heritage and a collective envisioning of the future.
Original Story https://www.morungexpress.com/fnr-rrads-september-dialogue-on-naga-repatriation-decolonisation-and-healing-concludes
Category : Nagaland
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