IMPHAL, October 20: The Western way of looking at our society is inadequate to unravel many of the issues faced by the people of the State. Our own knowledge informed by tradition and culture is the best approach to study our society, said professor E Bijoykumar.
He was deliberating as a guest of honour in the National Seminar on Knowing from the Endogenous Perspective, jointly organised by the Centre for Manipur Studies, Manipur University and Indian Council of Social Science Research, New Delhi, which started today at MU Canchipur.
Prof Bijoykumar also said that we have tried every known model of development and growth in the Northeast region, but nothing seems to yield results. Thus, in our quest for economic prosperity, a dualistic approach encompassing the traditional and the modern is needed, he added.
Prof HNK Sharma, VC of Manipur University, speaking as the chief guest maintained that there is need to devise ways to streamline our knowledge system.
He said that traditional knowledge, as well as the modern scientific approach has limitations. Therefore, a convergence of both is called for, he stressed.
Speaking as the president of the function, Prof N Joykumar, director Centre for Manipur Studies, MU, pointed out that the seminar is an alternative way of looking at events, processes and knowledge that has led to the emergence of politico-legal entity called Manipur.
In the inaugural function, a book entitled `Knowing Manipur From The Endogenous Perspective`™, Vol 1 & 2 were released by the three dignitaries. Renowned artist, Lourembam Bedabati presented folk songs accompanied by Pena performance, which was followed by a short lecture on the performance.
In the post lunch technical session chaired by Prof S Mangi, MU, nine scholars presented their papers. The seminar will conclude tomorrow.