A one-day national seminar on “Linguistic and Cultural Dissemination of Northeast Folklore” was organized by the Department of Hindi, Nagaland University, on February 25, 2025. The seminar was coordinated by Dr Brijesh Kumar, Assistant Professor, Department of Hindi, Nagaland University, and co-coordinated by research scholar Ajay Subba.
The inaugural session was graced by Prof Jagadish Kumar Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University, as the Chief Guest and attended by Dr Ganga Prasad Parsai, Vice-Chancellor of Tripura University, Prof Jano S Liegese from Nagaland University, and keynote speaker Prof Zoram Yalam Nabam from the Department of Hindi, Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh. The session was conducted by Dr Brijesh Kumar and concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Anuj Kumar, Assistant Professor, Department of Hindi, Nagaland University.
Apart from the inaugural and closing sessions, the seminar featured two additional sessions. The first session was chaired by Prof Zoram Yalam Nabam, with Dr Rajiv Ranjan Prasad from Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh, and Dr Lydia, Principal, NIOS, Regional Centre, Nagaland, as keynote speakers. The second session had Dr Chuki Bhutia, Assistant Professor, Department of Hindi, Sikkim University, as the keynote speaker, with Dr Rajiv Ranjan Prasad presiding over the session.
The seminar primarily focused on analyzing the languages and cultures of various states in Northeast India. Speakers emphasized that the folklore and literature of Northeast India not only highlight the region’s diversity but also contribute to the cultural heritage of the entire country. The region’s folktales, songs, dances, and other cultural expressions have developed a distinct identity over time. However, in the era of globalization, technological advancement, and commercialization, their language, literature, and culture face significant challenges. The speakers underscored the urgent need to preserve and protect these cultural elements from external influences.
The discussions provided an opportunity to explore the rich traditions of Northeast India’s folklore, its linguistic and cultural characteristics, and its significance in shaping regional identity.
Scholars also highlighted the deep connection between Northeast folklore, regional languages, and social structures.
In the closing session, Anup Kinchi (IAS, Commissioner and Secretary, Health and Family Welfare) and Prof AK Mishra (Former Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Nagaland University, Kohima Campus) were present. The session was conducted by Dr Anuj Kumar and concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Brijesh Kumar.