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Naga Elders' Stories Resurface Through Empathy Project
14 Feb
Summary
- Project Empathy guides students to record elders' oral histories.
- Focus on patient, nonjudgmental listening to democratize history.
- Documentary 'Weaves of Empathy' to screen in Delhi.
Project Empathy is facilitating intergenerational dialogues in Nagaland, empowering college students to gather oral histories from elders. This initiative focuses on uncovering narratives of peace and coexistence rooted in Naga traditions and lived experiences. The project places significant importance on the process of collecting these stories, advocating for patient and nonjudgmental listening.
A documentary named 'Weaves of Empathy,' created by cinematographer Parasher Baruah, is set to screen at Delhi's India International Centre on February 20 as part of a cultural festival. This film aims to showcase empathy not as an abstract concept, but as an integral and practiced aspect of Naga societies.
Furthermore, designer Abeni TCK will release a book, 'Oying Motsu: The Story of Our Threads,' exploring cultural memory and craft. TCK's revival of the 'Shawl of Unity,' a piece symbolizing the collective identity of all Naga tribes, is a testament to resilience and cultural continuity.
The project, founded by educationist Vibha Lakhera, has involved students from Don Bosco College, Oriental College, and Modern College in Kohima. Project Empathy plans to expand its scope to include stories from new locations, continuing its mission to preserve and share diverse historical narratives.
