Prof GT Thong, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Nagaland University, Kohima Campus along with others Conference on India as a Linguistic Area on February 13. (Morung Photo)
Lumami, February 14 (MExN): In the last few days, various events including national conference and seminars, and the Global Women’s Breakfast (IUPAC GWB 2025) were organised by various departments under the Nagaland University.
National conference on ‘India as a Linguistic Area’
The Department of Linguistics, Nagaland University in collaboration with CIIL, Mysore, organised two-day national conference on “India as a Linguistic Area: Special Reference to Northeastern Languages.”
The conference is aimed at exploring the linguistic diversity and shared features of Indian languages with focus on those from the Northeastern region. The inaugural programme was held on February 13, at the conference hall, Department of Linguistics.
Chaired by Dr Arenkala Ao, Asst Prof, Department of Linguistics, the welcome note was delivered by Prof Pangersenla Walling, Head, Department of Linguistics. Prof Walling welcomed the attendees and highlighted the shared linguistic features across Indian languages despite their division into six language families and emphasized the concept of India as a linguistic area.
Prof GT Thong, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Nagaland University, Kohima Campus in his opening remarks addressed the vast multilingual society of India. He attributed this multilingualism to evolving language communities and sociolinguistics transformations over the centuries. Prof Thong spoke about the congregation and integration of diverse linguistic groups through migration and cultural exchanges, leading to the shared linguistic features seen today.
Prof Shailendra Mohan, Director, CIIL, Mysore, greeted the attendees and addressed the current language situation in India. He encouraged further research on Indian languages, emphasising the need to document and studies the linguistic diversity of the country.
Meiraba Takhellambam, Asst Prof, Manipur University, presented the notion of language endangerment, focusing on the languages in Sikkim. He presented data from the 1951 census, stressing that only major languages are represented while minor languages are often ignored. He highlighted the issue of Nepali having a high percentage of speakers, resulting in the grouping of minor languages under Nepali, thus making it a major language.
Dr Waikhom Pinky Devi delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all participants, and organizers for their contributions to the successful inauguration of the conference. The inaugural program set the stage for insightful discussions over the two-day conference, emphasizing the importance of preserving linguistic diversity and promoting further research on the languages of India.
National seminar on Hindi in NE India
A three-day national seminar on “Hindi in Northeast India” was organised by Nagaland University’s Dept of Hindi during February 10-12. The inaugural ceremony was held on February 10, with Prof Bharti Gore as the chief guest, Prof Jano S Legise from the Faculty of Humanities and Education, Nagaland University, and Prof Sunil Baburao Kulkarni, Director of the Central Hindi Directorate, as the guests of honour.
The Chief Patron, Prof GT Thong, Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University, Kohima Campus, was also present.
Chaired by Dr Anuj Kumar, Asst Professor, Department of Hind, the welcome address was delivered by Dr Munni Choudhary, Head, Department of Hindi, NU. Dr Choudhary highlighted the objectives of the seminar, the current status of Hindi in Northeast India, the challenges it faces, and its potential. He emphasized that this seminar would play a crucial role in the promotion and development of the Hindi language. Prof Bharti Gore emphasized the significance of the Hindi language, stating that Hindi is not just a language but a powerful medium that connects different cultures and enhances communication. She stressed that Hindi plays a key role in unifying diverse cultures. The Prof Sunil Baburao Kulkarni, Director, Central Hindi Directorate, in an online speech emphasized the need for further efforts in the fields of education, literature, and culture for the growth of the Hindi language. He also suggested ways to inspire the younger generation toward Hindi and make it a language of employment opportunities. He highlighted the importance of Hindi in Northeast India and stressed the need for concrete steps for its promotion. Dr Thunbui, Asst Professor, Central Hindi Institute, Dimapur delivered the vote of thanks.
The technical session on February 10 focused on “Hindi Language and Literature in Northeast India”, while the session on February 11 was on “Hindi Literature and Discursive Literature in Northeast India.” On February13, the focus was on “Translation Literature in Northeast India and the State of Hindi Research in the Region.”
The seminar came to an end with the closing ceremony, chaired by Dr Brijesh Kumar, Asst Professor, Department of Hindi, NU. Research scholar Chitra Sah summarised the seminar’s discussions, meticulously highlighting key points and deliberations, along with strategies for the future development of Hindi in Northeast India. Dr Munni Chaudhary, Head, Department of Hindi
Seminar on educational opportunities in US
A seminar on “Experience America: Educational Opportunities in the US and Enhancing Student Mobility in Northeast” was held at Nagaland University’s Kohima Campus, Meriema, jointly organised by the US Consulate General Kolkata, YRG Care, and Nagaland University. The event witnessed participation from over 300 students representing Alder College, Model Christian College, Don Bosco College, State College of Teacher Education, and various departments of the university.
Prof Lungsang Zeliang, Placement Officer, NU, chaired the seminar and delivered the opening remarks, encouraging students to explore opportunities for higher education in the U.S. Prof. G.T. Thong, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Nagaland University, Kohima Campus highlighted the vast academic and scholarship opportunities in the U.S., emphasizing the importance of innovation and individuality in the American education system.
Aiswarya Mondal, English Language & Program Manager, U.S. Consulate General Kolkata, introduced the “Experience America” initiative, which aims to bridge knowledge gaps, support student applications, and foster bilateral academic collaboration.
A virtual orientation session was conducted by Jayatee Barai and Megha Roy Chatterjee, U.S. Embassy Officials, providing valuable insights into US government exchange programs, scholarships, application processes, and professional courses. Additionally, Sadhya Krishnan from YRG Care discussed the low representation of Northeast students in global education and the need to create greater awareness and structured support for studying abroad.
The seminar concluded with vote of thanks by Metsizolie Medoze, Deputy Registrar, NU, Kohima Campus.
Global Women’s Breakfast
Nagaland University’s Department of Chemistry organised a programme on the occasion of Global Women’s Breakfast (IUPAC GWB 2025).
Held annually, the Global Women’s Breakfast (GWB) coincides with the United Nations’ International Day of Women and Girls in Science which falls on February 11. It is a global initiative by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) to foster discussions on gender equity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
The highlight of the programme was a panel discussion on “Possible Strategies for Accelerating Equity in Science”. The initiative to host this meaningful discussion was led by the women research scholars of the department, under the guidance of Prof Upasana Bora Sinha. The event brought together six panelists who shared their experiences of navigating academic careers while balancing personal responsibilities as wives, mothers, and leaders.
