The Department of Sociology, Baptist College, organized a talk on Naga Traditional Religion on 2nd September, 2023 where both faculty and BA 3rd semester Sociology students of the Kohima and Sechii campus were present.
Based on his research work of 8 years, the speaker, Dr. Kewepfuzu Lohe, opened his talk with an emphasis on the relevance of Sociology of religion (a paper in the syllabus of the BA 3rd semester Sociology program) stating the influence of religion on the behavior of people in the society. Viewing such sociological study of religion as an opportunity for examining and re-exploring our original identity, he focused on traditional religion within the larger picture of Nagaland state. .
The talk was followed by an intensive interaction on issues such as the differences between Animism and Medansim, the subjective aspect of Medanism and its influence on the specific tribes’ way of life, the labelling and categorization of Medanism as a traditional religion, the relevance and applicability of Medanism in the context of the modern Naga, elaboration on the legend of Ropfii Razou, differences between the southern and northern Nagas and core beliefs of Medanism.
The talk was chaired by Ms. Veshetsülü Rüho and an introductory note was given by Mr. Vincent Kent (HoD). A special number was also presented by Mr. Nikil Chetri and his fellow students from BA 3rd semester. Rapporteurs for the day were Lidoba Sangtam, Thejakhrielie Kelelie (BA 3rd semester students), and Dr. Videkhono Yhokha.
The speaker Dr. Kewepfuzu Lohe is the Vice-Principal of Baptist College, Sechii campus, and also a teaching faculty in the Department of Sociology. He has written two books: Naga Village: A Sociological Study by Eastern book House: Guwahati, 2011; and Medanism and Christianity: A Sociological Study, 2022, Eastern book House: Guwahati
