RONO HILLS, 16 Mar: A two-day national seminar-cum-alumni meet themed ‘Northeast India in transition: Connectivity, development, and emerging issues’ was organised by Rajiv Gandhi University’s (RGU) geography department, in collaboration with the urban local bodies directorate, from 13 to 14 March at RGU to deliberate on the rapidly changing socioeconomic and spatial dynamics of Northeast India while bringing together the alumni of the department.
The seminar brought together academicians, administrators, researchers, alumni, and students from across the country to deliberate on issues related to regional connectivity, development trajectories, and emerging socio-environmental concerns in Northeast India.
Speaking during the inaugural session, RGU Vice-Chancellor (i/c) Prof SK Nayak underscored the strategic significance of the Northeast in India’s development vision, and commended the academic initiative of the department in facilitating dialogue among researchers and practitioners.
RGU registrar (i/c) Prof Otem Padung also spoke.
Noted geographer, Prof Atiqur Rahman of Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi spoke extensively on the evolving patterns of regional connectivity, development corridors, and the need for inclusive water management in India, delivering a captivating presentation on ‘Sinking blue planet in the age of globalisation, urbanisation & climate change’.
Presenting the concept of the seminar, Prof Tage Rupa Sora emphasised that the region is witnessing unprecedented infrastructural expansion and policy attention, making it crucial for scholars and policymakers to reflect on the opportunities and emerging challenges.
Earlier, in his inaugural address, RGU Environmental Sciences DeanProf Sailajananda Saikia highlighted the growing importance of connectivity and regional cooperation in shaping the future of Northeast India.
During the valedictory programme, Nampong MLA Laisam Simai appreciated the initiative of the university in bringing scholars together to deliberate on the region’s connectivity, development challenges, and emerging opportunities. He emphasised the role of academic institutions in shaping informed policies and sustainable development strategies for the Northeast.
Geography HoD Prof Gibji Nimasow highlighted the importance of scholarly dialogue on the changing socioeconomic and spatial dynamics of Northeast India.
Eminent geographers, Prof BS Mipun (NEHU), Prof Tomo Riba (RGU), Prof Bimal Kumar Kar (Gauhati University), Prof Sohel Firdos (Sikkim University), Prof Nishamani Kar (RGU), Prof NC Singh (RGU), Prof SK Patnaik (RGU), Dr Ehaya Al Huda (USTM) and co-conveners of the seminar, Dr Dhoni Bushi and Pradyut Deya also spoke.
During the technical sessions, a total of 65 research papers were presented by scholars and experts from various institutions.
Also, a meet of the alumni association of geography was held, wherein the association presented the ‘best paper’ award to Navya Kashyap of RGU for her outstanding research paper presentation, along with the Eklavya Award for the 2024-25 academic session to Rotom Ter for his overall academic excellence and dedication.
