Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 29 highlighted efforts in Nagaland to preserve cultural heritage while advancing education, pointing to both traditional learning systems and community-led conservation initiatives.
Addressing the nation in the 132nd episode of Mann Ki Baat, Modi said the Naga community is “making an effort to preserve the past and prepare for the future through education,” adding that the people “deeply respect their tribal traditions” and are “proud of this” while maintaining a modern approach.
He spoke about the traditional Morung system of learning, where elders pass on knowledge and life skills to the youth. “The Naga tribes had a traditional system of Morung learning, in which elders would share traditional knowledge, history, and life skills with the youth through their experiences,” he said.
Modi noted that the system has evolved over time into a broader concept of education. “Through this system, interest in children in subjects like mathematics and science is instilled,” he said, adding that elders continue to teach life skills through stories, folk songs and traditional games.
“In this way, our Nagaland is advancing children’s education while preserving its cultural heritage,” he said, urging people to share similar efforts from their areas.
In a separate segment, the Prime Minister highlighted an initiative from Chizami village. “A very inspiring effort has come to fore from Chizami village in Nagaland. The women of Chizami village are collectively preserving over 150 varieties of traditional seeds,” he said.
He noted that the seeds are being preserved in a community seed bank run by the village women themselves, including rice, millet, maize, pulses, vegetables and a variety of herbs. “This is an effort that preserves knowledge, keeps traditions alive, and lays a strong foundation for future generations,” he said.
Referring to global challenges, Modi added, “Today, when the world is facing challenges like climate change, such efforts show us that solutions are not always far away. Sometimes, our own traditional knowledge and community efforts offer us the strongest path forward.”
Mann Ki Baat is a monthly radio programme in which the Prime Minister addresses a wide range of social, cultural and public health issues, often highlighting grassroots initiatives from across the country.
