Globalization and Changing Tribal identity in North East India
- A Two Day National Seminar at University of Delhi -
- on 16-17 May 2011 -

Dr. A.S.Yaruingam *

Liangmei Traditional Festival in 2009

TWO DAY NATIONAL SEMINAR
Organized by Naga Forum and Naga Cultural Research Society,
Conference Centre,
University of Delhi
Date: 16-17 May, 2011

A Two Day National seminar was organized by the Naga Forum and Naga Cultural Research Society, Delhi, from 16-17 May, 2011 at Conference Centre, University of Delhi, sponsored by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern region, Government of India. Dr. J.P Sharma, Jt. Secy, DoNER, agreed to inaugurate the seminar but due to urgent work that had come up in the ministry, he deputed Mr. Asholi Challai, Director, DoNER, to grace the occasion.

The Theme of the seminar was, 'Globalization and Changing Tribal identity in North East India'. Prof. Virginieus Xaxa, Director, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Gawahati, delivered the Key Note address.

In his short and focused address, Prof. Virginieus clearly spelled out the three basic concept of the theme such as ' North-East' 'Globalization' and 'Changing Tribal Identity'. Based on this the main topic was discussed under various sub-topics through papers presented by many scholars.

Dr. Walter Fernandes, Director, North East Social research Centre, Guwahati, also a well known researcher and an expert in the region, presented the first insightful paper defining the profile of the tribe in the region. His paper pointed out one point clearly that the region which is inhabited by different tribes and ethnic groups has entirely different social cultural formation from the main stream Indian society and therefore required a different research tool.

Traditional customary laws and social mores are common basis North-East tribes. Dr. Xavier. P. Mao, Associate Professor, NEHU, presented his paper on the Globalization and political identity of the North East tribes giving special reference to Nagas.

In his paper, Dr Xavier pointed out that during the colonial period North East India was not a part of the country. It was after independent that region was drawn into the country. The present political problem of the Naga is the legacy of colonial rule.

In order to bring the Naga political problem into final logical conclusion, Government of India needs to be more serious and give priority to it. Several research scholars from north east India who are teaching in Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Jamia Milia Islamaia University and also who are pursuing their research in different institutes in Delhi presented their insightful and thought provoking papers on various issues related to the main theme.

The response of the North East scholars to the seminar was overwhelming. The total participant in the seminar as per the attendance record was- first day, 180 and second day 210. On the whole the seminar was excellent both in term of quality and quantity.

The discourse on the various issues was highly intellectual and the content was solid and commendable.

The seminar achieved two main objectives:
1. Provide platform to North-East scholars in Delhi. Through such platform they are being helped to improve their skill of presentation, debate, and discuss in the higher level of academic discourse.

It is found that there were many potential academicians from North East Region who can go to the higher level of academic excellence. A new idea was also emerge to form a platform where Researchers and scholars from the region can come and discuss on the various issues confronting them at present.

2. The seminar also discovered the need of more critically looking into the developmental policies pursued by the Government of India into the context of the local reality.

There is the need of involvement of researchers in order to connect government's policies with the ground reality of the local situation. DoNER can encourage the researches to go to the field and find the relevant data and provide feedback to the Government.

Over all, this seminar can be understood as one of the best well organized seminar on North East India. The Naga Forum and Naga Cultural Research Society, expressed thanks to DoNER for sponsoring the seminar. North East India Scholars look forward to have closer relationship with the Ministry in future.

Dr. A.S.Yaruingam
Seminar convener