New Delhi, March 29 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised the traditional "Morung" learning system of Nagaland, stating that this system can instill interest in subjects like mathematics and science in children.
The "Morung" system in Nagaland is a traditional, community-based education model, often referred to as a "bachelor's dormitory," which serves as a center for learning social, cultural, and life skills.
In his monthly radio broadcast, "Mann Ki Baat," Modi said that the Naga community is making an effort to preserve the past and prepare for the future through education.
He stated that the people of this community deeply respect their tribal traditions while also maintaining a modern approach.
The prime minister explained that the Naga tribes have a traditional "Morung" learning system, in which elders would share traditional knowledge, history, and life skills with the youth through their experiences.
"Over time, this system has evolved into the "Morung" concept of education. Through this system, interest in subjects like mathematics and science is instilled in children," he said.
Modi stated that through this system, elders in the community teach them life skills through stories, folk songs, and traditional games.
"In this way, our Nagaland is advancing children's education while preserving its cultural heritage. If you learn about such efforts in your area, please share them with me," he added.
The prime minister also shared an inspiring initiative that has emerged from the Chizami village in Nagaland.
He said that the women of the village are collectively preserving more than 150 varieties of traditional seeds, and these seeds are being preserved in a community seed bank, run by the village women themselves.
These include rice, millet, maize, pulses, vegetables, and a variety of herbs, and this is an effort that preserves knowledge, keeps traditions alive, and lays a strong foundation for future generations, Modi said.
"Today, when the world is facing challenges like climate change, such efforts show us that solutions are not always far away. Sometimes, our own traditional knowledge and community efforts offer us the strongest path forward," he said.