Seppa, Nov 23: Government College Seppa, in collaboration with the Heritage Foundation, Guwahati, successfully hosted a two-day National Seminar on the Traditional Knowledge System of North-East Bharat on November 22-23. The seminar celebrated the rich cultural heritage of the region while addressing the pressing challenges faced by traditional knowledge systems in a modernizing world.
The event commenced with a traditional Nyishi purification ritual, Darkhya, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries.
Welcoming the participants Dr. Robin Hissang, Principal of Government College Seppa, briefed the gathering about the two days  seminar’s theme, setting the tone for meaningful discussions over the next two days.
Attending the event as Chief Guest Professor Milan Rani Jamatia, Head of the Hindi Department at Tripura University, highlighted the role of traditional knowledge in preserving cultural identity. While  Jaleswar Brahma, Chairman of the Heritage Foundation, delivered a speech emphasizing the role of academic discourse in sustaining traditional practices. Dr. Joram Aniya, Associate Professor at Dera Natung Government College, Itanagar, and Patron of the seminar, spoke on the significance of preserving traditional knowledge systems in the face of modern challenges.
Earlier, discussions explored the relevance of traditional knowledge systems of indigenous tribes in Arunachal Pradesh, threats posed to the Nyishi tribe's traditional institutions due to religious conversions, and also discusses on ecological conservation practices in Shergaon village.
The presentations highlighting the ingenuity of indigenous communities through topics like the use of traditional knowledge in Apatani house construction and the sustainable Aji cultivation method of paddy-cum-fish culture in the Apatani Valley. Other sessions examined the traditional medicinal practices of the Bokar community and the challenges facing Nyishi society’s traditional knowledge systems in a post-colonial context. The cultural narratives of tattooing in Arunachal Pradesh and the indigenous knowledge behind ritual items of the Nyishi tribe also featured prominently in the discussions.
The seminar concluded with a valedictory session, where Chief Guest Professor Nabam Nakha Hina from the Department of Political Science, Rajiv Gandhi University, addressed the gathering. He reflected on the vital importance of safeguarding traditional knowledge, describing it as a “philosophy of life” that encapsulates generations of wisdom and sustainable practices,stated a release. 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
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