“It is unacceptable that under the guise of “enriching formal education,” external forces are subtly attempting to dilute our indigenous identity and impose a cultural assimilation agenda”, NSF said while also stating that the Naga people have a rich and distinct cultural heritage, and it would not tolerate any attempt to infringe upon Nagas’ way of life, traditions, and beliefs
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Wednesday has vehemently condemned and opposed the ongoing workshops being organized under the aegis of Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth (SPIC MACAY) in various educational institutions across Kohima and Dimapur.
NSF in a press statement issued jointly by its president, Medovi Rhi, secretary education, Temjentoshi, stated that the federation stands firm in its stance that such programmes, which seek to impose alien cultural and religious practices have no place in the Naga homeland.
“It is unacceptable that under the guise of “enriching formal education,” external forces are subtly attempting to dilute our indigenous identity and impose a cultural assimilation agenda”, NSF said while also stating that the Naga people have a rich and distinct cultural heritage, and it would not tolerate any attempt to infringe upon Nagas’ way of life, traditions, and beliefs.
NSF’s statement also stated that any effort to introduce religious or cultural elements that do not align with Nagas’ indigenous ethos is an outright violation of its rights as a people while strongly asserting that such workshops are a waste of valuable academic time, depriving students of meaningful education and their right to a curriculum that prioritizes their intellectual and personal growth. With the already limited academic calendar and various challenges faced by students, it is irresponsible to force programs that neither contribute to their academic advancement nor uphold the indigenous ethos of the Naga people.
NSF also took a strong exception to the guidelines imposed for these workshops, which dictate specific ceremonial practices, mandatory seating arrangements, and symbolic gestures that are contrary to Nagas’ customs and beliefs by stating that the enforced removal of footwear before entering the hall, the requirement for a ministry logo, and the regulated felicitation of artists reflect an imposition of foreign cultural norms upon educational institutions.
The NSF said that such directives undermine the very fundamental principles of cultural respect, urged all school administrations, students, and parents to remain vigilant against such imposed cultural and religious programmes that do not align with Naga heritage.
It further demanded that all SPIC MACAY workshops in Naga institutions be immediately halted and that no such programmes be conducted in the future without prior consultation with relevant Naga stakeholders while stating that the NSF remains committed to defending the identity, rights, and future of Naga students, and it would not hesitate to take appropriate measures, including democratic protests, if its demands are ignored.
Meanwhile, the NSF has informed that the timing for 39th NSF Martyrs’ Day 2025 programme on March 20 at the NSF Martyrs’ Park, Kohima, has been rescheduled to 8.30 am instead of its earlier notification.
The programme will be chaired by NSF games and sports secretary, Kevilelhou Zumu, unfurling of flag at half-mast with invocation to be delivered by pastor, Mao Baptist Church , Kohina, K Robvii, and to be followed by a tribute to the martyrs.
NSF will also launch trophy tour for the 25th anniversary edition of its NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy 2025 after the programme.