Bodoland University became a vibrant centre of intellectual exchange and cultural reflection as it hosted a national seminar on “Oral & Written Histories: Indigenous Arts, Weaving, Ecological Crafts, Food Traditions & Languages.” The event, held on Thursday, brought together a diverse group of scholars, researchers, artists and cultural practitioners from different parts of India and abroad for an in-depth discussion on the need to preserve the Northeast’s rich indigenous heritage. The seminar was organised under the EMWSSAA project of the North Eastern Council (NEC), Ministry of DoNER, in collaboration with the North East India History Association (NEIHA). The programme opened with a warm welcome address by Dr. Zothanchhingi Khiangte, Principal Investigator of the project and Coordinator of the Centre for Women Studies at Bodoland University. She highlighted that many traditional practices of the region are rapidly disappearing and stressed the importance of collective efforts to document and protect them.
In his inaugural remarks, noted historian Dr. J. B. Bhattacharjee, Retired Professor of NEHU and former Vice-Chancellor of Assam University, underscored the urgency of safeguarding traditional knowledge systems. He said that many indigenous art forms, weaving techniques, ecological skills and oral narratives are under threat due to modern lifestyles, technology and socio-cultural shifts. According to him, universities and research bodies must take a stronger role in recording local histories before they fade away. The first academic session, moderated by Prof. Amena Passah, opened with detailed presentations from a wide range of experts. Prof. Sukhendu Debbarma of Tripura University spoke about the deep link between tribal identity and textile traditions. Pinuel Basumatary, representing the Boro Diaspora Forum, shared insights on the evolving cultural identity of Boro communities living outside the region. Bhutanese scholar Dawa Penjor from BIFA reflected on the intercultural similarities between Bhutan and Northeast India, particularly in crafts and oral traditions. Journalist Preetam Brahma Choudhury and Advocate Pallavi Basumatary added perspectives on media narratives, community rights and the legal aspects of cultural protection.
The second session, chaired by Dr. Zothanchhingi Khiangte, featured equally enriching contributions. Prof. Salam Irene from Manipur University discussed women’s roles in preserving traditional food systems. Japanese academic Dr. Kaburagi Yoshihiro provided a comparative overview of indigenous storytelling practices in Japan and Northeast India. Prof. Sarah Hilaly of Rajiv Gandhi University highlighted the challenges faced by tribal groups in maintaining linguistic diversity, while researcher Damewanmi Suchiang from Meghalaya focused on the importance of documenting ecological crafts that are still practiced in rural communities.