Tetso College organizes first Dr PS Lorin Annual Impact Lecture

Dimapur, November 1: Tetso College hosted its inaugural Dr. PS Lorin Annual Impact Lecture on November 1 at Lorin Hall, with Dr. Visier Meyasetsu Sanyü as the keynote speaker. The event, chaired by Benisha Keppen, Principal of Rincho Academy and former Sociology lecturer at Tetso, was held to honor the birthday of the college’s founder, the late Dr. PS Lorin.

Reverend Haiwalo Apon opened with an invocation, reflecting on Dr. Lorin’s integrity and dedication. Following his prayer, dignitaries honored Dr. Lorin by watering the Founders’ Tree. The college choir performed the College Anthem, and the Department of Music presented “The Love of God,” a hymn cherished by Dr. Lorin.

In her welcome address, Principal Dr. Hewasa L Khing acknowledged the college board and friends of Dr. Lorin, presenting them with tokens of appreciation. She explained that the lecture aimed to celebrate Dr. Lorin’s legacy and engage the Naga community on educational, social, and cultural issues he valued. The event, she noted, was titled the “Impact Lecture” with hopes of fostering meaningful change for years to come.

To honor Dr. Lorin’s connection with the Naga community, Dr. Sanyü-a respected elder, close friend of Dr. Lorin, and expert on Naga culture-was invited to deliver the inaugural talk.

A video on Dr. Lorin’s life and the history of Tetso College was shown.

Vice Principal Dr. Rosy Tep then introduced Dr. Sanyü, an esteemed leader of the Meyasetsu Clan from Khonoma’s Angami tribe, holds a theology degree from the University of Divinity, Melbourne, and a PhD in History from NEHU, Shillong. He formerly led the History and Archaeology Department at Nagaland University and is known internationally, including at the United Nations, for his work in peace and reconciliation. His roles include membership in the Forum of Naga Reconciliation, advisor to the Naga Forum of Peace Initiatives, and former international elder at Initiatives of Change, Switzerland.

Dr Visier Meyasetsu Sanyü mentioned that Dr P.S Lorin and he had known each other for forty years, and was a decent, righteous man. They both shared the same vision of making the Naga Nation a righteous nation. He started the lecture by quoting Professor Jan Vansina “Whether memory changes or not, culture is reproduced by remembrance put into words and deeds. the mind through memory carries culture from generation to generation.” Nagas, according to Dr Sanyü, have a rich repository of Oral Tradition And knowledge, a motherload of tradition.

Dr. Sanyü emphasized that oral tradition is the cornerstone of cultural memory for the Nagas, offering continuity across generations. He referred Jan Vansina’s idea that memory enables culture to be “reproduced by remembrance put into words and deeds.”

The Naga culture, with its diverse languages and traditions, exists dynamically in this continuity, passed down through stories, performances, and rituals, he said and argued that oral tradition should be central to understanding society, art, and history.

The lecture highlighted how technological advances now support the preservation of oral traditions.

He also talked about the internal and external threats to Oral Tradition.

Dr. Sanyü underscored two main tasks for the Naga people to preserve their culture: retrieval and evolution. Retrieval involves documenting and restoring traditional knowledge with accuracy and respect, ensuring the stories and rituals reflect genuine cultural values. Evolution involves adapting these traditions to meet the challenges of the 21st century, ensuring that Naga culture remains vibrant and relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Dr. Sanyü asserted that engaging with the global community is essential but warns against losing touch with cultural roots. By grounding themselves in their own traditions, Nagas can confidently interact with other cultures from a position of strength, contributing meaningfully to a multicultural society.

Dr. Sanyü envisioned a future where Nagas, united by a shared cultural identity, build a pluralistic society. By fostering internal unity and forming alliances within the Northeast and beyond, he believes the Nagas can achieve a vibrant, multifaceted society that respects diversity.

A Q&A session commenced after the lecture where various individuals raised thought provoking questions which further enriched the session. The Lecture ended with a benediction by Achok Konyak, Asst. Prof Dept. of economics.

(Page News Service)