Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Kohima: Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav declared on May 22 that protecting tribal heritage is not a barrier to development. Speaking at a national seminar at Nagaland University, he argued that progress must be inclusive and sensitive to the cultural roots of the region. He emphasized that the goal is to integrate traditional wisdom with modern advancement rather than choosing between the two.
For centuries, Northeast India has maintained a wealth of indigenous knowledge, oral traditions, and customary practices. However, the Governor warned that rapid urbanization, globalization, and technological shifts are putting these traditions at risk. He pointed to the decline of indigenous languages and the tendency for younger generations to drift away from their ancestral lifestyles as pressing issues that require immediate attention.
Yadav urged academics, policymakers, and civil society groups to document and reinterpret tribal heritage to keep it relevant today. He noted that higher education institutions serve as a vital bridge, connecting traditional wisdom with contemporary scholarship. According to the Governor, tribal communities offer essential insights into environmental conservation and sustainable living, which could help address modern global challenges.
The seminar, held at the Meriema Campus, aimed to foster collaboration between experts and researchers. By facilitating these exchanges, the Governor hopes to develop practical policies that honor indigenous identities while supporting the future growth of Northeast India.
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