Dimapur: Nagaland University’s Kohima Campus at Meriema has introduced an intellectual initiative titled ‘Campus Talks’, aimed at connecting students with experienced professionals and experts from diverse fields through interactive discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions.
According to a university release on Saturday, the platform is designed to provide students with opportunities to explore subjects and perspectives beyond their regular classroom learning.
Planned as a monthly programme, the sessions will be organised on a rotational basis across the university’s hostels to encourage wider participation and foster meaningful discussions on contemporary issues.
The inaugural session was held at Shilloi Women’s Hostel on October 30. Prof. Lungsang Zeliang, Dean of Humanities and Education and academic advisor to Campus Talks, outlined the vision behind the initiative.
She described it as a platform for constructive interaction among teachers, students and scholars. Zeliang said the university had approved the proposal following a series of discussions and expressed hope that the programme would eventually expand to include experts from outside the campus.
She also said the initiative would help students develop a broader understanding of multidisciplinary subjects. Emphasising its social purpose, she noted that speakers would contribute their knowledge without receiving any honorarium.
Nagaland University Pro Vice-Chancellor for the Kohima Campus, Prof. N Venuh, urged students to remain curious and develop a deeper understanding of developments and issues around them.
Drawing on his experience as a human rights activist, Venuh discussed several subjects, including Naga history and political concerns, colonialism, contemporary global affairs and the importance of understanding one’s rights.
He also spoke about the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), describing it as a useful tool while cautioning against excessive dependence on the technology or allowing it to control human decision-making.
The second Campus Talks session took place at Pauna Men’s Hostel on November 13.
Addressing the gathering, Miller, convener of Campus Talks, explained that the initiative aims to bring distinguished individuals from different professional and academic backgrounds to the university to interact with students on contemporary and social issues.
He highlighted the need to extend academic engagement beyond conventional classroom settings through critical thinking, intellectual exchange and meaningful conversations.
The university hopes that the monthly initiative will create sustained opportunities for students to engage with diverse perspectives and develop a wider understanding of issues beyond their academic disciplines.