Workshop on Understanding Minority Ethnic Communities of Nagaland:
Problems and development deficits, held at Sazolie College
A workshop on Understanding Minority Ethnic Communities of Nagaland:
Problems and development deficits, was organized by the OKD institute of Social Change and Development, Guwahati, in collaboration with Dept. of English and Dept. of Sociology at Sazolie college, Jotsoma, on 4th Feb, 2023. Dr. Saswati Choudhury, Director, OKD, moderated the workshop. Representatives from Kuki, Tikhir, Yimkhiung and Zeliang gave short presentations on the problems and challenges faced by their community.
Challenges which seemed to be common in all these tribes as highlighted by the representatives were lack of proper infrastructure in schools, poor road conditions and poor medical facilities. The problem of political representative was highlighted by both the representatives of Kuki and Tikhir community. Among the challenges faced by the Tikhir community, unemployment was stated as a major issue. She also said that
the employment rate was only 3-4 % in governmental sectors. Another point which she added was the emerging problem of easy availability of drugs and alcohol which has increased the use of these substances among youngsters. The next representative from Yimkhuing community spoke about the abuse of children as domestic workers.
The representative from Zeliang community stated that social problems such as patriarchal dominance, backwardness in education and diversity in dialect were issues faced by their community. Among the suggestions which were provided by the representative from Zeliang community for improving the social and economic conditions were: organizing cultural exchange and career guidance programs, proper facilities and infrastructure, good road connectivity for promoting agricultural products, district level festivals to promote local products, promoting places of historical importance to attract tourists.
Earlier in the program, Mr. Waloniba Jamir, Vice Principal Sazolie College gave the welcome address, Ms. Imlisenla, Semester VI, presented a special song. Mrs. Aphrenuo Pienyu, HOD, Dept. of Sociology, chaired the program and Ms. VeralΟ Vero, Asst. Professor, Dept. of English gave the vote of thanks.