The Department of Sociology, Nagaland University, is organizing a Two-Day National Seminar on the topic “Social Lives of Infrastructure in Northeast India: Navigating Diversity, Connectivity, and Resilience” from February 27 to 28, 2025, at the Lumami campus. The seminar is sponsored by ICSSR, New Delhi, Nagaland University, and S. Supongmeren Jamir, Hon’ble Member of Parliament.
The inaugural session of the seminar was conducted on February 27, 2025, at 10:00 AM, at the Conference Hall, Department of Sociology, Lumami Campus. It was chaired by Prof. Temjensosang, Director, Research and Development Cell, Nagaland University, whose leadership and presence set the tone for the event.
Prof. Athungo Ovung, Head of the Department of Sociology at Nagaland University, delivered the welcome address. In his speech, he warmly welcomed all the guests, delegates, and participants, highlighting the significance of the conference and the opportunities it presented for academic growth and intellectual exchange.
The Chief Patron, Prof. Jagadish K. Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University, addressed the gathering with an inspiring speech. He emphasized the importance of fostering interdisciplinary research and academic collaboration while acknowledging the role of social sciences in societal development.
The M.A. 2nd Semester students of the Department of Sociology presented a musical interlude, the “Special Number”—a lively performance that added a cultural touch to the session, providing attendees with joy and engagement.
The Keynote Address was delivered by Prof. Amarjeet Singh from the Centre for North East Studies & Policy Research, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. Prof. Singh spoke on contemporary issues in the region, offering a comprehensive perspective on the socio-political and cultural dynamics of Northeast India. He deliberated on key development challenges in the region, such as logistics, terrain, corruption, and political issues like insurgency and ethnic conflicts. He also emphasized the development disparity across the country, with Northeast India being particularly disadvantaged. His insightful lecture touched on the Look East/Act East Policy and the role of institutions such as the Ministry of DONER, the North Eastern Council (NEC), Autonomous District Councils (ADCs), and State Governments, which, he noted, have become increasingly insignificant in their contributions to infrastructural development.
The session concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Suraj Beri, the Organizing Secretary of the National Seminar. Dr. Beri expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, speakers, participants, and all those who contributed to the successful organization of the event. His closing remarks were filled with appreciation and acknowledgment of the efforts made by everyone involved.
The inaugural session was organized with a welcoming atmosphere and an air of anticipation. It was attended by Prof. M.K. Sinha, Dean, School of Social Sciences, faculty members, and students, setting the stage for the sessions and discussions to follow. Meaningful speeches, an engaging performance, and the enthusiasm of participants marked the event.