Symposium on tribal faiths and culture at Boro Haflong
From our Special Correspondent
SILCHAR, Dec 12: The whole of north-east region is home to innumerable ethnic groups and sub groups with their own oral traditions, folk narratives and faiths as well as practices. They are the original inhabitants of the region and form a different face of India, beautiful and colourful. The historical and cultural diversity of the region is extra-ordinary. It is north-east region that mirrors India’s heterogeneous heritage with an ocean of beliefs and dialects. It is quite justifiably said that the region with its multiethnicity, multiculture and multilingual characteristics is the anthropological museum of the country.
But, in these times of transition and changes, there is a threat to the very identity of the tribal communities and losing their ancestral root. Often, the forces or elements working against the integrity and solidarity of the tribal world tempt the simple people to deviate from their traditional belief on inducement or allurement. There has been no doubt large scale conversion due to proselytization works of the missionaries, taking advantage of their remoteness and isolation.
It has been well pointed out that while retaining their traditional links and roots, the tribals should themselves analyze and assess their past practices and follow all that is progressive and discard all that is regressive. It is equally true that a sort of awakening has come among the tribals to resist attempts of divisive forces to divide them by luring them to despise their past. It has been possible for campaign now being carried out by various indigenous forums in order to caution the tribal groups about the sinister design and the threat to their identity and culture.
It is with this objective that Janajati Faith and Culture Protection Forum is organizing a three-day workshop-cum-symposium on tribal faith and culture which begins from January 15 at Saraswati Vidya Mandir, Boro Haflong, close to the district headquarters of Dima Hasao. Besides creating awareness about the tradition of worship, belief, customs and rituals of various tribal communities, the workshop will at the same time lay emphasis on formulating strategy to counter the forces working against their interests, pointed out Ramquingbe Jeme, president of Zeliangrong Heraka Association, north-east.
The three day workshop will begin with its inaugural function to be addressed by Kalijoy Sengyung and Gangmumie Kamei. It will be followed by a seminar on ‘Concept of God and Mode of Worship’ on which Ramesh Thaosen, Pautanzan Jeme and Summneibul Hrangthol will throw light. There will also be discussion on “Concept of Salvation Rites and Rituals of Death” participated by Jagdamba Mall, Upendra Jahori and Ramkuingbe Jeme. The discussion in its concluding part will have the views and opinions on “Birth, naming, marriage, rites, festival, role of village administration” by Prasanna Hasnu and the valedictory function will be graced by Joleswar Brahma, Dr TK Sharma and Nojendra Nunisa.
Source: http://www.sentinelassam.com