Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav on Friday, 26 September 2025, called for a broader definition of Naga heritage preservation — one that extends beyond safeguarding physical artefacts to include the living body of traditional knowledge and cultural practices passed down through generations. He made the remarks at the North Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (NEZCC) Headquarters in Chumoukedima, Nagaland, during the release of two significant publications on Naga culture and textiles.

Two Books, One Cultural Mission

Governor Yadav, who also serves as Chairman of the NEZCC, released 'Nagas: The Knowledge Practitioners', authored by Alok Kumar Kanungo and Alino Sumi, and 'Nagaland Textiles — Threads That Weave Stories', authored by Sentila T. Yanger. Though the two publications address distinct subjects, the Governor noted that both brought the rich cultural heritage and knowledge traditions of the Naga people into academic and public focus.

He said both works conveyed a shared message: that culture is not a static relic but 'a body of knowledge created, practised, refined and transmitted across generations.'

Indigenous Knowledge Is Not Mere Folklore

Speaking on 'Nagas: The Knowledge Practitioners', Governor Yadav stressed that indigenous knowledge should not be reduced to folklore. He argued it represents systems developed through observation, experience, experimentation and adaptation — encompassing agriculture, crafts, technologies, forest management, rituals, and material culture.

He warned that technological advancement must not lead to what he called 'cultural amnesia', encouraging younger Naga generations to embrace modern education and technology while simultaneously grounding themselves in their communities' traditional knowledge systems.

Naga Shawls as Living Knowledge

Turning to the textiles publication, the Governor said Naga shawls are far more than fabric — they carry identity, memory, social meaning and artistic expression. He noted that the colours, patterns, motifs and weaving techniques embedded in Naga textiles reflect knowledge traditions developed across distinct communities over centuries.

This is particularly significant at a time when handloom traditions across the Northeast face pressure from mass-produced alternatives and declining intergenerational transmission of craft skills.

Call for Documentation With Dignity

Governor Yadav underlined the urgency of documenting indigenous knowledge before it is lost with the passing of its practitioners. He called for documentation that is sensitive to the communities involved, with due recognition of their identity, ownership, dignity and intellectual rights.

He urged educational institutions in Nagaland to make greater use of such publications and called on young Naga scholars to undertake research across languages, oral traditions, architecture, traditional medicine, music, craftsmanship and customary institutions. He specifically stressed village-level documentation as a priority.

NEZCC's Role in Cultural Continuity

NEZCC Director Alobo Naga said the Centre has been actively supporting scholars, artists and cultural practitioners in documenting traditional knowledge, folk practices and indigenous art forms. He added that such efforts help preserve aspects of Naga cultural identity and ensure their transmission to future generations.

The Governor also noted that traditional knowledge systems hold direct relevance to contemporary challenges, including climate change, biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, and the responsible use of natural resources — areas where indigenous practice often predates and complements modern science.