The North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC) organised a book release function at its headquarters in Dimapur on Friday, releasing two publications documenting Naga indigenous knowledge and heritage.

The books released were Nagas: The Knowledge Practitioner, co-authored by Dr Alok Kumar Kanungo and Dr Alino Sumi and published by Routledge, and Documentation on Textile Narratives of Naga Shawls, authored by Padma Shri Sentila T. Yanger.

Welcoming the gathering, NEZCC Director Alobo Naga highlighted the importance of documenting traditional knowledge and cultural practices for future generations. He said NEZCC continues to support researchers, artists and practitioners in documenting and preserving indigenous traditions and folk practices.

Governor of Nagaland and NEZCC Chairman Nand Kishore Yadav, who attended the programme as the chief guest, formally released the two publications.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Yadav said traditional knowledge should not be viewed merely as folklore, but as practical knowledge developed over generations through observation, adaptation and experience.

Referring to Naga shawls, he described them as a “visual language” that carries social identity and historical knowledge. He said preservation of heritage should include the knowledge and practices associated with cultural objects, and not only the objects themselves.

The Governor also stressed the need to connect indigenous knowledge with modern education and science. He called for greater documentation of traditional knowledge at the village level across Nagaland, particularly while elders who possess such knowledge are still available to pass it on.

He further encouraged educational institutions and young researchers to create greater dialogue between modern scientific knowledge and indigenous wisdom.