Cultivating a Scientific Mindset for Naga Society

For any society aspiring toward progress and self-reliance, science is not a luxury – it is a necessity. In Nagaland, where tradition and modernity often walk side by side, promoting scientific temperament can serve as a vital bridge to a future shaped by innovation, informed decision-making, and sustainable development.

Scientific temperament is not confined to laboratories or textbooks. It is a way of thinking – curious, logical, evidence-based, and open to questioning. It empowers individuals to move beyond superstition, hearsay, and blind belief. In the Naga context, this mindset is essential not just in education, but in agriculture, health, entrepreneurship, governance, and even conflict resolution. A society that values inquiry and logic is better equipped to respond to change, adapt to new challenges, and find home-grown solutions to its problems.

Innovation, too, must be rooted in local realities. From sustainable farming practices in our hills to renewable energy in our villages, science must be made relevant to our people. But for that to happen, we must first create an ecosystem that encourages learning and experimentation. It starts with education but must extend into everyday life.

This newspaper is committed to promoting scientific awareness and critical thinking. That is why we carry a dedicated Science page as a regular feature – highlighting scientific developments, explaining key concepts, and encouraging curiosity among readers. But more needs to be done.

We strongly urge the state government, in collaboration with educators and civil society, to establish a District Science Club in every district of Nagaland. These clubs can serve as hubs for young minds to explore science beyond the classroom – through workshops, experiments, competitions, and mentorships. They can also be platforms to link local knowledge systems with modern science.

A forward-looking Naga society must be one that values reason, celebrates discovery, and nurtures its innovators. Let us invest not just in infrastructure, but in the minds and mindset of our people. Science is not only about answers – it is about learning to ask the right questions.

MT