Photo Courtesy: Nagaland University, Kohima Campus.
Kohima, March 26 (MExN): A two-day national-level training programme and workshop on social empowerment and beggary prevention began at the Department of English, Nagaland University, Kohima Campus, on March 25.
Vice-Chancellor Prof J K Patnaik, inaugurating the programme, highlighted the role of indigenous knowledge systems in addressing social issues and said Naga culture discourages beggary through dignity, community solidarity and self-reliance. He stressed that eradication of beggary must be rooted in both policy and cultural values.
Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof N Venuh spoke on the psychological dimensions of beggary, describing it as a result of distress, alienation and deprivation, and called for empathetic, counselling-based interventions.
Dr Subhashis Banerjee outlined socio-economic, cultural and psychological aspects, urging collaborative efforts among stakeholders, while Prof M A J Khan underlined the role of academic institutions in addressing social challenges.
Prof Nigamananda Das highlighted issues of child abuse and vulnerability, stressing legal safeguards and awareness.
Dr Jasojit Debnath spoke on microfinance and livelihood opportunities in preventing beggary, while Dr Dhrubajyoti Bordoloi discussed child exploitation and policy needs.
A round table led by Dr Brijesh examined child abuse in Hindi literature, linking literary narratives with social realities. A documentary screening on child abuse and beggary by Dr Prasenjit Pal, who also chaired a discussion, marked a key highlight of the programme.
