Scholars call for indigenous knowledge to be integrated into formal education
The Naga Scholars Association, New Delhi, held the fourth edition of its Insight Lecture Series through a webinar on September 26, focusing on the decline of indigenous languages and its implications for traditional knowledge systems.
Professor Upasana Bora Sinha of the Department of Chemistry, Nagaland University, delivered the lecture titled “Lost in Translation: Decline of Indigenous Languages as a Threat to Knowledge System and Why NEP 2020 Matters.”
Drawing examples from Northeast India, Professor Sinha highlighted the close relationship between indigenous languages, cultural identity, biodiversity and traditional knowledge. She said indigenous languages serve as repositories of knowledge about local flora and fauna, much of which remains undocumented and could be lost with the disappearance of languages.
She cited the use of the term “herbs” as an example of how broad categories can obscure distinctions among plants traditionally used for medicinal purposes by local communities.
Professor Sinha also discussed the impact of colonial education policies, particularly the Charter Act of 1813, on language hierarchies and the decline of indigenous languages. She said more than 200 indigenous languages had become extinct over the past 50 years.
She advocated using the National Education Policy 2020 to promote multilingualism and incorporate indigenous knowledge into formal education through community schools, skill-based courses and documentation of oral traditions.
The programme was chaired by Dr Apila Sangtam, general secretary, NSA, while Dr Aveivey D., vice president, delivered the welcome address. The lecture was followed by a question-and-answer session and a vote of thanks by Shirinkapai, executive member, NSA.
