National seminar on Geology, Geochemistry, Tectonics, Energy & Mineral Resources of North East India underway
Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 9
Nagaland’s Governor PB Acharya today said that University should not only be the centre of knowledge but it must also take cognizance of the necessity of applicable knowledge. “Knowledge should be applicable to the society,” he said.
Speaking at the three day “National seminar on Geology, Geochemistry, Tectonics, Energy & Mineral Resources of North East India & AGM of Indian Society of Applied Geochemists” at the conference hall of National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT), Meriema, Acharya said the application of knowledge should be socially oriented one. He also said that if any subject is not applicable for the welfare of the society it must be stopped. Acharya, who is also chief rector of Nagaland University stressed that the concerned universities should tie up with the industries. Urging the youth to open their minds and change their mindset, he urged upon them to be part of job givers and not job seekers. We are all equal. No one is second class citizen, he said adding “We have to prove that we are second to none.”
National seminar convenor Prof BV Rao hoped that the seminar would be landmark contribution to the scientific community of the country. He was also hopeful ah the outcome of the discussion of the seminar would serve as guidance to explore and exploitation of energy and mineral resources of the state and initiate collaborations in to new project with different organization.
Prof. Rao said north east India is one of the few places where it is possible to analyze both short and long term events of the earth’s history, which has not only shaped some of the major features of the earth but also has provide enough natural resources for civilization. He said the present seminar is aimed to provide an opportunity for geoscientists for interaction and fruitful discussion about the recent advances made in the field of geological, mineral and energy resources about the Naga Hills and adjoining regions.
Highlighting the profile of Geology Department of Nagaland University, Prof GT Thong, head of geology department said “Our research interests are on igneous and metamorphic petrology, sedimentology, economic geology, hydrogeology, landslide studies, morphotectonics and paleomagnetism of the tertiary sediments and ophiolite suite of rocks of Nagaland and Manipur, granitoids of Assam and Meghalaya. Prof Thong added that its focus is to generate skilled manpower to meet societal needs. In this regard, it plans on introducing PG Diploma and certificate courses in GIS and Remote Sensing, Disaster Management, Watershed Management, Exploration Geology & Gemology.
Prof Buno Liegise, administration & academic in-charge, NU, Kohima Campus, Meriema said in fact the science of geology is the bedrock of all societies and civilizations but unfortunately today it has not acquired/been given its due place in the academic field at least in the state Nagaland. “It is hoped that with this National seminar, the value and relevance of the science of geology will get highlighted and its scope will be comprehensively explored and widely understood, more so in the context of the “Act East Policy” of the central government of India,” she said.
Prof Liegise said the department of geology of Nagaland University is doing very well. It has been marked as “a model” department in the university by NAAC and the UGC visiting teams. It has huge potential for which its infrastructural facilities need to be strengthened and enriched. The department must push for increasing its MSc Geology student’s intake capacity in future, she said.
Dr. KK Dwivedy, president Indian Society of Applied Geochemists said that Nagaland has rich deposit of coal, oil and also potential for development of solar energy. He also expects that the NU would find suitable solution for environment problem.
This seminar, organized by Geology Department, Nagaland University, Kohima campus Meriema, will go on till November 11.
